CHENNAI: The first bench of the Madras HC on Friday directed the authorities concerned to remove within three months, encroachments on waterways, canals and water-bodies.
The bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar which gave the directive on PILs from AP Suryaprakasam of Royapettah, an advocate, and two others which came up again, also directed authorities to remove unauthorised constructions and structures blocking drainage and other water flowing areas.
The authorities should file a detailed status report before November 10 with regard to the various steps taken to prevent logging of water and drainout the stagnant water in the city. Pumpsets should be installed to remove the water accumulated and arrangements made to provide shelter and food to the affected people in water-logging areas, the bench said.
Earlier, the bench was told that removal of encroachments on waterways and water bodies was a major task. Once the encroachments were removed, they came up again, Advocate-General Vijay Narayan said.
When the bench was told that a control room having the number 1913 for providing immediate relief to callers was working round-the-clock, the Chief Justice directed the corporation counsel to verify. Accordingly, the counsel verified and said it was working.