The Madras High Court has directed the authorities to take steps to bring fresh water to the Koodal Alagar Perumal Temple pond in Madurai after noting that the discharge of drainage water into the pond has been completely stopped. The directive came during the hearing of suo motu proceedings initiated in 2011, which sought to prevent pollution in the pond and to have it notified as a protected area under the Tamil Nadu Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1966.
Previous Orders and Compliance
Earlier, the court had directed the authorities to prevent the discharge of drainage water into the pond and to ensure that no vehicles are parked around it. A 'no parking zone' sign was also ordered to be installed in front of the pond. In compliance with these orders, the authorities submitted that pipelines laid by individuals to let drainage water into the temple pond had been identified, and notices were issued to them for such illegal activity. The discharge of drainage water has now been completely stopped. Additionally, all four sides of the pond have been fenced to prevent parking. The temple authorities also informed the court that the dilapidated wall of the pond would be renovated.
Court's Directions
A division bench comprising Justice N Sathish Kumar and Justice M Jothiraman directed that the present status of the pond shall be maintained without any deviation. The court warned that in the event of any violation by any individual, the Madurai Corporation shall initiate appropriate criminal prosecution. Furthermore, the corporation, in coordination with the water resources department, is required to take steps to restore the water channel of the pond and bring fresh water to it. With these directions, the court closed the petition.
