REGISTRAR (JUDICIAL), MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Vs. SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, ENVIRONMENT & FOREST DEPARTMENT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) REGARDING dumping of plastic waste in Vaigai river and burning of waste in Samayanallur village and also in Pandikovil area, based on the photo featured in English Daily "The Hindu " on 25.06.2012, this suo motu writ petition was taken up and notice was ordered to the respondents.

(2.) EARLIER , on 29.6.2012, affidavit was filed by 4th respondent the Commissioner of Corporation of Madurai stating that steps had been taken to remove the garbage in the canal connecting Melamadai and Sathasiva nagar within the Corporation limits. It was stated that Vaigai river does not come under the control of Corporation and that river is under the control of 7th respondent � Superintending Engineer, Periyar Vaigai basin Circle, PWD (WRO), Madurai, who was then impleaded.

(3.) WE have directed the respondents to file report as to the steps taken by them to remove the dumped waste and also to prevent such dumping of waste in future. The Pollution Control Board had also filed a report stating the steps were taken by the Pollution Control Board in addressing the Corporation to take immediate steps to remove municipal solid waste dumped in water bodies and also near Samayanallur village, Melakkal Road. 8th Respondent - District Collector has filed the report stating that the District Collector had instructed the Assistant Director (Panchayats) to follow the sanitary norms regarding the removal of garbages and plastic waste in all 420 village panchayats of Madurai District. The Assistant Director had also written a letter in Na.Ka.No.2536/12/A3 dated 30.6.2012 to all village Panchayats through the Block Development Officers (Village Panchayats) in Madurai District to follow the instructions of the Collector regarding the removal of garbages and plastic waste. It is further stated that the Public Works Department and Municipal Corporation have removed the garbages dumped in the bund of Vaigai river.