A public interest litigation petition has been filed in the Madras High Court praying to appoint a high-power committee, headed by a retired judge of Supreme Court, to ascertain the reasons for the flooding in Chennai and recommend steps to prevent its occurrence.
Alleging that the “wilfully delayed” release of water from Chembarambakkam reservoir was the primary cause of the flood resulting in loss of life and property, the PIL said, “The court should form an independent committee to investigate into this matter and punish the officials for failure to perform their duty as it amounted to nothing short of manslaughter.”
Claiming that various media had pointed out that the Public Works Department had written to the Chief Secretary on November 29 for release of water from the Chembarambakkam reservoir and the Chief Secretary had slept over it for three days and gave his consent only on midnight of December 1, the petitioner Rajiv Rai, an industrialist and activist said, “The Chief Secretary even though was well aware of the reports that there is going to be a heavy downpour for few more days had ignored to perform his duty and direct release of the water when the warning from PWD was received by him.”
Citing a few petitions moved by him in which the High Court and the Supreme Court had directed the State government to remove the encroachments on the banks of Buckingham Canal, Mr. Rajiv Rai said, “As the authorities did not comply with the orders, several contempt petitions have been filed. But in spite of specific directions, the government neglected in taking action against the encroachments and the same resulted in flooding Chennai and the neighbouring areas.”
“The government have received funding to build and provide alternative housing for the encroachers under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission many years ago, but it has not taken any steps to remove the said encroachments or illegal constructions despite alternate housing being ready for occupation for the last year or two,” he alleged.
The petitioner wanted the committee to consist of government officials, technical persons, senior advocates, scientists, and environmentalists.
Alleges “wilful delay” in release of water from Chembarambakkam reservoir
