Stricter penalty for illegal sewer connections coming

When a PIL by ChangeIndia seeking prevention of manual scavenging came up for hearing before the division bench comprising Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice R Mala, the Government Pleader informed the bench that the process of bringing in a penalty clause involved various legislative processes and administrative procedures. 

An affidavit filed by the Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration and Water Supply, also told the court that the proposal had reached the final stages and was due to be placed in the ensuing assembly session. 

The bench posted the matter for further hearing on March 7 besides directing that a copy of the draft amendment be produced. 

The Madras High Court had earlier directed the government to introduce a graded penalty mechanism where penalties vary from Rs 5,000 to a couple of lakhs for illegal sewage connections. 

The government in its counter-affidavit submitted that officials of the Chennai Corporation and Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board have decided to prepare a template for bids to finalise an agency that will identify the number of premises with or without sewage connections. 

A road map for municipalities and corporations other than Chennai is being readied to bring an amendment that prohibits sewage release into storm water drains or streets.