Madras High Court Seeks State Government Response on Kudamurutti River Pollution in Trichy
The Madras High Court has formally requested a detailed response from the Tamil Nadu state government regarding a significant public interest litigation (PIL) that demands immediate action to prevent the discharge of sewage and sullage into the Kudamurutti river, located within the Trichy district. This legal intervention highlights growing concerns over environmental degradation and public health risks associated with river pollution in urban areas.
Judicial Bench and Petitioner Details
A division bench comprising Justice G R Swaminathan and Justice B Pugalendhi presided over the hearing of the PIL, which was filed by N Shanmugam, a concerned citizen. The bench emphasized the urgency of the matter by directing the state authorities to provide a comprehensive reply, underscoring the court's role in addressing environmental issues that impact community welfare.
Extent of Pollution and Sources
The petitioner presented compelling evidence detailing the severe pollution plaguing the Kudamurutti river. Key sources of contamination include:
- Urban Sewage and Sullage: Discharge from numerous residential localities situated along the riverbanks, including Sanjay Gandhi Nagar, Shanmuga Nagar, Fatima Nagar, Thillai Nagar, and Vayalur Road.
- Solid Waste Dumping: Rampant disposal of household rubbish and single-use plastics, particularly along stretches such as Konakarai Road, where waste is indiscriminately discarded into the river.
- Unplugged Drainage Systems: Continuous flow of untreated sewage and sullage from multiple residential areas, exacerbating the river's pollution levels.
For years, the Kudamurutti canal has functioned as a drainage carrier for the western parts of Trichy city, largely neglected by municipal authorities. The petitioner argued that major polluting activities occur within the limits of the Trichy Corporation, making it the corporation's statutory duty to implement effective measures to curb sewage discharge and mitigate health hazards.
Legal and Environmental Implications
The PIL underscores a serious threat to public health and environmental sustainability, prompting the petitioner to seek judicial intervention. By moving the court, the aim is to enforce accountability and compel the Trichy Corporation to take proactive steps, such as installing proper waste management systems and regulating industrial and residential effluents. This case reflects broader issues of urban infrastructure mismanagement and the need for stringent enforcement of environmental laws to protect water bodies from irreversible damage.
The court's directive marks a critical step towards addressing river pollution in Trichy, with potential implications for similar environmental challenges across Tamil Nadu. Further hearings are expected to focus on the state's response and proposed remediation plans.
