HC calls for report from Chief Secretary on protecting waterbodies, forests and coastal regions

Says COVID-19 has taught a lesson that human species might not be smart enough yet to beat nature

Expressing deep concern over the destruction of nature, the Madras High Court on Wednesday directed the Chief Secretary to file a report within a week on steps being taken by the State government to protect waterbodies, forests and “whatever is left of coastal region and nature so that the future generation find the State habitable and can survive here.” Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice P.D. Audikesavalu called for the report while passing interim orders on a public interest litigation petition filed by Arappor Iyakkam, a non-governmental organisation, complaining about large scale encroachments on Chitlapakkam lake in Chennai. The State had conceded to have discovered at least 403 encroachments. During the course of hearing, the judges said, at times, the executive turns a blind eye to rampant encroachments without taking serious endeavour to protect the waterbodies and forests and the case on hand was no different. They also said that some officials deliberately breach principles of natural justice so that the encroachers could approach court and obtain a stay.