Madras High Court Orders Expedited Land Acquisition for Interlinking Rivers
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, in a landmark decision, has mandated the completion of land acquisition for the ambitious Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar river linking project within the current fiscal year. The court’s directive comes as a significant boost to this transformative infrastructure endeavor, aiming to alleviate water scarcity and enhance irrigation capabilities in the region.
Judicial Intervention Spurs Project Progress
The High Court’s intervention was prompted by a 2019 public interest litigation petition filed by A. Murugesan, a resident of Pudukottai district. The court, recognizing the urgency of the project, instructed the Water Resources Department to expedite land acquisition and commence canal construction concurrently, adopting a “war-footing” approach. The Engineer-in-Chief of the department will provide quarterly updates to the court, ensuring transparency and accountability in the project’s execution.
Project Scope and Phases
The Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar link canal project, spanning 262.19 kilometers, is being implemented in three phases. Phase I focuses on linking the Cauvery River to the South Vellar, covering a distance of 118.45 km. Phase II will extend the link from the South Vellar to the Vaigai River for 109.69 km, and Phase III will connect the Vaigai to the Gundar River, covering the remaining 34.04 km.
Land Acquisition Challenges and Resolution
While the project has received in-principle approval and environmental clearance, land acquisition has posed a hurdle. The court’s directive addresses this issue, ensuring the allocation of ₹418.65 crore for land acquisition in Phase I is utilized efficiently.
Collaborative Approach to Project Success
The High Court also directed the consolidation of various petitions related to the project, including those concerning realignment and compensation, to streamline the decision-making process. Additionally, the court expressed its openness to the state government seeking additional funds from the Central government, recognizing the project’s potential benefits for the region.
Summary
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has taken decisive action to accelerate the Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar river linking project, a crucial infrastructure initiative aimed at addressing water scarcity and enhancing irrigation capabilities in the region. By expediting land acquisition and ensuring a collaborative approach, the court’s intervention marks a significant step towards the project’s successful implementation.
Key Learning Points
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Court Intervention | The Madras High Court has taken a proactive role in expediting the Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar river linking project. |
| Land Acquisition Focus | The court has emphasized the timely completion of land acquisition as a critical step in the project’s progress. |
| Project Scope | The project, spanning 262.19 km, aims to interlink three major rivers in Tamil Nadu. |
| Collaborative Approach | The court has encouraged collaboration between the state and central governments for funding and implementation. |
| Public Interest Litigation | A public interest litigation petition filed in 2019 triggered the court’s intervention. |
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