PWD to table report on Gomukhi diversion

The first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose, before whom the petition moved by Tamil Nadu Schedule Tribe (Malayali) Peravai represented by its president T Varatharaju, came up for hearing, directed the authorities including the secretary, PWD, to file a report by way of counter affidavit on the issue and posted the matter for further hearing to March 5. 

As per the plea, the stream Gomukhi originates on the Western side of Kalrayan Hills and flows through the “Kaikan Valavu” village, in Salem district. This caters to the agricultural and drinking water needs of more than 35 villages, until it reaches Gomukhi reservoir, which caters to 265 villages in Kalrayan Hills. 

While so, as per the directions of the secretary, PWD, and Salem Collector, the subordinate officers inspected the area for connecting the above “Kaikan Valavu” odai to Karia Koil stream for a length of 7 km, the petitioner alleged. This would deprive the livelihood of more than 35 villages. 

“There is no alternative source for the 35 villages and they are dependants on the stream water for cultivation,” he added. It also goes against tribal policy, he stated.