HC seeks timeline to comply with orders on safeguarding waterbodies

Madurai: Madras high court on Friday sought a response from the state on the timeline required to comply with the earlier directions passed by the court regarding safeguarding waterbodies across the state.A division bench of justice G R Swaminathan and justice B Pugalendhi passed the order while hearing a contempt petition filed by R Manibharathi.Earlier this year, the petitioner filed two public interest litigations challenging the formation of roads on the bunds of Vandiyur and Thenkal tanks in Madurai district.Disposing of the petitions in March, the court directed the state govt to create a dedicated website containing an exhaustive list of all waterbodies in the state. The website should contain all relevant details pertaining to each and every waterbody (including tanks, lakes, rivers, kanmois, etc). Their survey number, physical location, details of village, taluk, and district, and extent (both original and present). Their area and dimensions will have to be precisely measured and catalogued.The court directed that the existing encroachments in all the waterbodies should be identified and removed after issuing notice to the encroachers. If constructions were made, they shall be demolished. Further encroachments shall not be permitted or regularised. Pattas issued in respect of waterbodies after Jan 1, 2000, shall be cancelled, and the waterbodies shall be restored to their original position. Development projects shall be conceived and implemented in a manner not to affect the integrity of the waterbodies in any manner.Complaining that the earlier order was not complied with, the petitioner filed the contempt petition.