HC directs removal of encroachments from waterbody

Madurai: Madras high court has directed the Ramanathapuram district administration officials to conduct a survey and remove any encroachment in a waterbody located in Marungoor village in the district.The court was hearing a petition filed by Mathavi.The petitioner also requested the desilting of the waterbody.A division bench of justice G R Swaminathan and justice B Pugalendhi observed that the survey number has been classified as Sandhoorani and Marudhoorani. Prima facie, it appears that the character of the survey number is that of a waterbody. Encroachment on a waterbody cannot be permitted.Therefore, the judges directed the Thiruvadanai tahsildar to conduct a survey and issued notices to the concerned people, if necessary. If the survey exercise reveals any encroachment, it shall be removed by adhering to due process of law. The entire exercise shall be completed within four months, the judges observed and disposed of the petition.