Madras High Court Takes Up PIL Against BHEL Land Patta in Trichy Waterbody
The Madras High Court has directed the issuance of notice to the Trichy district administration and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in response to a public interest litigation challenging the grant of patta for land classified as a waterbody in Trichy district. This legal action highlights growing concerns over the allocation of ecologically sensitive areas for industrial use.
Details of the Public Interest Litigation
A division bench comprising Justice G R Swaminathan and Justice B Pugalendhi is presiding over the PIL filed by M Karthik. The petitioner has raised serious objections to the transfer of 392 acres of government land located in Navalpattu village within Thiruverumbur taluk to BHEL.
The contested land parcel includes a vital waterbody known as Kudukudupai Oorani, along with traditional grazing lands and a temple that holds cultural significance for local communities. For generations, villagers have utilized this area for cattle grazing and religious practices, making it an integral part of their livelihood and heritage.
Historical Context and Community Impact
According to the petition, BHEL established checkposts around the land in 2010, effectively restricting public access without clear explanation. This sudden barrier prevented villagers from continuing their customary activities, sparking confusion and concern within the community.
Despite multiple attempts to obtain information through Right to Information applications, authorities failed to provide transparency regarding the land's status and ownership changes. It was only through recent online patta records that the petitioner discovered the revenue authorities had transferred the land to BHEL.
Legal Grounds and Environmental Concerns
The core argument presented in court revolves around the illegality of issuing patta for government land to a private entity, particularly when that land contains essential water resources. Waterbodies like Kudukudupai Oorani play crucial roles in local ecosystems, groundwater recharge, and agricultural sustainability.
The petitioner contends that such transfers not only violate land classification norms but also disregard environmental protection principles and community rights. This case underscores the tension between industrial development and ecological preservation in rapidly urbanizing regions.
Broader Implications for Land Governance
This legal proceeding brings attention to several critical issues:
- Transparency in land record management and public access to information
- Protection of waterbodies from encroachment and industrial conversion
- Preservation of community grazing lands and cultural sites
- Accountability of revenue authorities in land allocation decisions
The court's eventual ruling could establish important precedents for how similar cases involving industrial land acquisition on ecologically sensitive areas are handled across Tamil Nadu and potentially other states facing comparable challenges.
