Tribunal On Its Motion Suo Motu Based On ... vs Chief Engineer Water Resources ... on 14 July, 2023

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National Green Tribunal

Tribunal On Its Motion Suo Motu Based On ... vs Chief Engineer Water Resources ... on 14 July, 2023

Bench: K. Satyagopal

              BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
                   SOUTHERN ZONE, CHENNAI

                            (Through Video Conference)

                     Original Application No.92 of 2023 (SZ)


IN THE MATTER OF:


             Tribunal on its own motion SUO MOTU based
              on the news item published in 'The Times of
                India' Chennai Edition dated 14.07.2023,
             "SIPCOT kills a lake to build a park - Nearly
                      10 Acres filled with debris"


Date of hearing: 14.07.2023.


CORAM:


HON'BLE Smt. JUSTICE PUSHPA SATHYANARAYANA, JUDICIAL MEMBER

HON'BLE Dr. SATYAGOPAL KORLAPATI, EXPERT MEMBER


For Applicant (s):        Suo Motu by Court.


For Respondent(s):        Dr. D. Shanmuganathan for R1 & R3.


                                    ORDER

1. Today, there was a news item published in 'The Times of India', Chennai Edition dated 14.07.2023 under the caption "SIPCOT kills a lake to build a park - Nearly 10 Acres filled with debris".

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2. The news item states that 33 Acres of the lake known as 'Periya Eri' was handed over to the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) about 10 years ago by the Water Resources Department (WRD) and it was recently restored at a huge cost. Now, nearly 10 Acres have been filled with debris and concrete waste for a park. The 33 Acres of the lake now has been reduced to 10 Acres and even that is now being obliterated by constructing two buildings and converting them into footpaths and sitting area. It is not only a bund that is being developed, it appears that the water spread area is also used.

3. The news item also quoted the version of the Executive Engineer, Water Resources Department that "We gave them (SIPCOT) the lake but there are guidelines that need to be followed. At any cost the water spread area shouldn't be reduced. The bunds can be used for development but not the water area". The Executive Engineer has also stated that the senior department officials would be informed about the same for appropriate action.

4. From the above news item, it appears that SIPCOT was only entrusted for maintenance of the lake, but unfortunately, it has occupied more than 10 Acres of land for constructing buildings.

5. Therefore, we take Suo Motu cognizance of the matter and issue notice to the (1) District Collector - Kancheepuram, (2) Managing Director - State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) and (3) Chief Engineer - Water Resources Department (WRD) for the time being.

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6. Let notice be issued to all the respondents through the Tribunal along with a copy of the news item.

7. The learned counsel Dr. D. Shanmuganathan accepts notice on behalf of Respondents No.1 and 3.

8. Let the matter be listed on 31.07.2023. In the meanwhile, the respondents are directed to file their respective responses.

Sd/-

Smt. Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, JM Sd/-

Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati, EM O.A. No.92/2023 (SZ) 14th July, 2023. Mn.

Copy to

1) District Collector Kancheepuram First Floor, Collectorate, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu.

2) Managing Director State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) 19-A, Rukmani Lakshmipathy Road, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

3) The Chief Engineer Water Resources Department (WRD) Chepauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

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