Even as Tamil Nadu is reeling under a major water crisis, the Madras High Court has intervened, recommending that the state government make use of funds allotted to Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly for regulating surplus water. The scorching summer and a subsequent water scarcity in major cities including Chennai have caused protests in parts of the state. The government, however, continues to maintain that the situation is under control.
Justice D Krishnakumar was hearing a writ petition filed by a resident of Erode district who had sought the completion of a water project in his neighbourhood.
"This court suggests that the state government constitute a committee to evolve a scheme and frame guidelines to utilise the surplus water which goes into drain during the monsoon season by diverting it to ponds and lakes out of the funds allotted by the MLAs, MPs, besides the funds sanctioned by the government. The water shall be taken to drought-hit and dry areas by pipeline with the help of solar motor power in each district." said the court.
The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme, known as MPLADS, gives Rs 5 crore to each MP in India that they can then use in their constituency to fulfil the needs of the people who live there. A similar fund is available to MLAs as well.
Recently, the court ordered the Constitution of a special wing for the management and regulation of water bodies in the state. A bench of Justices M Venugopal and S Vaidyanathan had warned of a Day Zero situation like in South Africa. The capital city in African has been facing acute water shortage.
Following this, Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan held a meeting with officials across departments to review the situation in the state.