Madras High Court asks state to clean up Coovum, Adyar

The first bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G Ramesh and Justice RMT Teekaa Raman, in its order directed the Tamil Nadu government to form a high-power committee at the first place to obtain suggestions and ways to clean both the rivers. 

The bench on pointing out that both the rivers have become carriers of sewerage and drainage said the government should establish sewerage treatment plants at a distance of 20 to 25 kms from the city in an area of 50 to 100 acres to treat the sewerage and drainage before letting them into the rivers.

Also, noting that the treated water could be made use for agricultural purposes, the bench insisted that Coovum and Adyar rivers should be restored to their past glory so that the public could use it for boating and recreation purposes. “Residents of localities could also get unpolluted fresh air and the environment could be pollution-free and people free of health hazards,” the bench added. 

Posting the case for further hearing to June 30, the bench also directed the State Government to approach the Union Government for allotment of funds for the purpose.