The Madras High Court Bench here on Monday expressed anguish over the State government not having taken sufficient steps to ensure uninterrupted supply of drinking water to all localities in State during the summer season. It pointed out that news reports of people resorting to road blockades with empty pots in various parts of the State, demanding water supply, was rampant, despite tall claims made by the government on addressing the crisis.
A Division Bench of Justices A. Selvam and N. Authinathan adjourned the hearing on a contempt of court application filed against Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan and Municipal Administration Secretary Harmander Singh after observing that the purport of an order passed by them on March 15 was not just to do the paper work of issuing a circular instructing subordinates to take necessary steps, but also to ensure that people get water on time.
When Additional Advocate General (AAG) B. Pugalendhi pointed out that the petitioner’s plea was only to consider a representation made by him for issuing a circular to all Collectors, and the court had disposed of the case at the admission stage itself, Justice Selvam asked: “Are you blaming the court for passing the order? What is wrong in passing the order in public interest?”
Earlier, the AAG submitted a counter affidavit stating that the government had sanctioned ₹105 crore to ensure drinking water supply to people as well as livestock in the wake of the drought. It was also brought to the notice of the court that another ₹110 crore was sanctioned to ensure supply of feed concentrate, dry fodder and water to cattle.
