HC directs Madurai Collector and Corporation Commissioner to file status reports on plea to restore Sathaiyar channel

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed Madurai Collector and Corporation Commissioner to file status reports to a public interest litigation petition that sought a direction to the authorities to restore the Sathaiyar channel to its original state and ensure free flow of water.

A Division Bench of Justices G.R. Swaminathan and B. Pugalendhi was hearing the petition filed by Sri Sanjay of Madurai. The petitioner said Sathaiyar channel forms an important part of Madurai’s interconnected traditional water-resource system and has historically served as a vital feeding and conveyance channel connected to the Vandiyur kanmoi.

The water channel forms part of an interconnected water-resource system that is significant for water storage, natural drainage, flood management, groundwater recharge and ecological sustainability of Madurai. Despite its environmental and hydrological importance, Sathaiyar channel is currently facing serious degradation due to the indiscriminate dumping of solid, plastic, and food wastes, as well as construction debris, in the channel, he said.

He said this obstructs the natural flow of water, causes polluted water to accumulate and stagnate, deteriorates the surrounding soil and environment and increases risks to public health.

The petitioner sought a direction to the authorities to conduct an inspection and survey of Sathaiyar channel at Mattuthavani, remove garbage, solid waste, debris and other waste materials dumped into the water channel and restore it to its original state, and ensure free flow of water.

He sought a direction to the authorities to take permanent measures to prevent dumping of garbage, solid waste, sewage and other waste materials into the water channel and install warning boards and surveillance facilities.

Further, he sought a direction to the authorities to survey and restore the water channel to its original extent, width and carrying capacity, based on the official records and measurements, and remove any encroachments, deposited soil, debris and other obstructions that had reduced or altered the original extent of the channel.

He also sought a direction to the authorities to take appropriate action against those involved in the dumping and burning of garbage and waste materials in and around the water channel. The court posted the matter for hearing to November 5.