HC restrains formation of pathway inside waterbody

Madurai: Madras high court has ordered an interim injunction restraining the formation of a pathway inside the Rajagambeeram kanmoi (irrigation tank) in Madurai district.A division bench of justice G R Swaminathan and justice B Pugalendhi passed the interim order while hearing a public interest litigation filed by G Theeran Thirumurugan alias Thirumurugan.The petitioner stated that water from the Rajagambeeram tank situated in Y Othakadai is used for agricultural purposes. However, sewage water from the residential areas of Othakadai started to flow into the tank, causing pollution. Public interest litigations were filed to prevent the flow of sewage, and the high court earlier directed the authorities to immediately stop the sewage flow, remove encroachments, prevent further pollution, and install sewage treatment plants.Thereafter funds were allotted for construction of the pathway around the tank. This initiative is intended to promote public health by providing a space for walking and to help maintain the tank's cleanliness by preventing unauthorised access and pollution. However, a pathway is being formed in the middle of the tank, dividing it into two portions. This disrupts natural water flow to the tank, leaving one side dry without access to receive water. The dried-up area on the highway side will become isolated and neglected, making it highly vulnerable to encroachments.He stated that he submitted a representation to construct the walking pathway without dividing the tank. However, the same is yet to be considered. Hence, the petitioner moved court.