Unicaus NEWS
The case, taken up suo motu by the Bench, was based mostly on media stories on the affect of salt pan encroachments on native rivers. Flooding resulted in destruction of two bridges on the East Coast Road, and a 150-metre highway stretch between Vepalodai and Kulathur was worn out.
In some areas like Kulathur and Panaiyur, water degree rose as excessive as 4 toes, severely disrupting transportation.
The Bench discovered that salt pans had occupied 1000’s of acres of waterbodies, significantly alongside Vaippar and Kallar rivers, obstructing pure water circulate and exacerbating flooding.
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) reported that whereas inspections had confirmed the presence of salt pans, possession of those encroachments couldn’t be decided, making enforcement troublesome.
The District Collector’s report acknowledged encroachments in villages like Periyasamipuram and Melmanthai, which had persevered till 2022. Despite enforcement measures taken since then, together with removing of unlawful salt pans, the Collector assured the Tribunal that no everlasting encroachments remained. However, the report highlighted ongoing monitoring efforts to stop future encroachments.
In its order, the Bench, comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and skilled member Prashant Gargava, underscored the significance of safeguarding waterbodies below the Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act, 1905, and different related legal guidelines.
Pointing out the continued presence of salt pans alongside the rivers, which might nonetheless hinder drainage if not carefully monitored, the Bench closed the case, and instructed the involved authorities to stay vigilant and take fast motion in opposition to any new encroachments.
Published – November 14, 2025 07:42 pm IST
