Tamirabarani will be only on map if sewage flow not checked: HC

A division bench, comprising Justice PN Prakash and Justice B Pugalendhi, was hearing a public interest litigation petition filed by Sundaravel of Tirunelveli, seeking to prevent discharge of effluents into the Tamirabarani, which is the lifeline of farmers in the southernmost parts of the State.

Observing that Tamirabarani river should be protected by all means for the next generation, the bench further directed the Collectors of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi to file detailed reports on steps taken to prevent letting of sewage effluent into Tamirabarani river and eviction of encroachments on the riverbanks.

The bench also suo motu impleaded the Commissioner of Tirunelveli Corporation in the case, which was adjourned for two weeks. The bench also issued a notice to Principal Secretary to Public Works Department (PWD) in a plea seeking to check sewage discharge into Tamirabarani river.

The petitioner stated that the 125-km-long Tamirabarani river, which originates from the Western Ghats in Papanasam of Tirunelveli district and runs through districts of Tirunelveli and its neighbouring Thoothukudi, is a lifeline for scores of farmers, who had been relying on several thousands of hectares for irrigation for their livelihoods, and also caters to the basic needs of people in these districts.

But, in some areas of the river, it was exposed to elements causing pollution. The petitioner claimed that industrial effluent water was being let into the river and people could hardly consume the river water as it was not potable. Moreover, the banks of the Tamirabarani were often encroached upon and the river had been highly exposed to sewage pollution.

Despite submitting petitions to authorities concerned, no action had been taken to prevent letting of sewage effluent into the river. Hence, the petitioner urged the need to prevent any further discharge of sewage into the Tamirabarani and also felt that such sewage could be treated. Citing these, the petitioner sought direction from the bench to remove such encroachments on the banks of the Tamirabarani and check discharge of sewage into the river. Meanwhile, the bench refused to give access to an affidavit filed by the Superintending Engineer of PWD, Tirunelveli, on behalf of the State government as the affidavit lacked signature of advocate concerned and his name.