Buildings on waterbodies not to get power supply

Until recently, the power connection was being provided to those living on poromboke land if they submitted a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the concerned government official not below the rank of deputy tahsildar.

“No electricity supply or service connection should be given to the buildings constructed in waterbodies poromboke lands,” said the circular issued by the Tangedco’s commercial wing.

Citing the order of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, the circular stated that “no electricity connection should henceforth be provided to any building on any land which has been notified as a waterbody, and the Collectors of the respective districts shall prepare a list of lands identified as waterbodies”. It also cited the Government Order of the Public Works Department, under the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Act, 2007, to state that the Revenue authorities should not give permission/NOC to construct buildings on tanks, river beds and water courses.

Despite the stringent direction, the Revenue department officials were giving NOC for the water bodies poromboke land for providing power supply. A senior official said that from now, no service connection would be provided to those encroaching water bodies even if they submit NOC.