Ensure no commercial fishing transpires in Singanallur lake: HC

It has also wanted to carry on necessary improvements to foster biodiversity in the said lake

The petitioner Raman Kodhndapani, a nature conservationist and researcher had submitted that despite the proceedings of the district Collector dated August 14, 2018 deciding not to renew tender and ban commercial fishing in Singanallur lake, fishing continues unabated. Since no action was taken on his representation in this regard, he was left with no option but to approach the Court. He also relied on newspaper reports to establish his case.

However, a division bench comprising Justice S Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad on citing various Supreme Court judgements regards news items being only hearsay and no judicial notice can be taken unless supported by further authentic evidence, said “During the course of arguments, it is the contention of the petitioner’s counsel that Singanallur Lake is spread out in 288 acres. Considering its vastness, there could be some isolated incidents of fishing and it cannot be said that the District Collector and the Commissioner, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation have not taken any action to prevent fishing on a commercial basis as the lake is not leased out.”

“However, we only observe that the district Collector and Commissioner should take necessary action to see that fishing is not done on commercial basis. The said authorities are further directed to implement the proceedings of August 14, 2018 in letter and spirit,” the bench added while disposing the petition as well as closing a connected miscellaneous petition.