J. AMSAVENI Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This couplet from Thirukural shows that the importance of water has been recognised in Tamil Nadu for thousands of years. After air, if life has to survive on this planet, it is attributable to water. Without water, there is no point in having any amount of wealth. It was once remarked, the next war between nations, if at all occurs, it will be on account of water.

(2.) This writ petition deals with the water catchment area for the Red Hills Lake. There existed a small reservoir in Puzhal area. Five score and fifty years before, the British administration decided to expand this reservoir and constructed embankments' and masonry weirs for storage of water. The water stored in this lake, in addition to those in Chembarambakkam and Porur lakes, is essential for supply of water to the continually expanding Metropolis of Chennai.

(3.) The issue before this court is whether the respondents are justified in classifying the areas as a water catchment area for Red Hills Lake and declaring it as a "no development zone" under the Master Plan for Chennai. What is a water catchment area?. According to the Sydney Water Catchment Authority,