Water bodies classified as sarkar poramboke must retain original character; encroachments and tree cultivation prohibited, requiring removal and restoration.

O R D E R

Heard the learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner and the learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents

1 to 4.

2. Issuance of notice to the respondents 5 to 9 is dispensed with.

3. The writ petitioner is a resident of Talaivankottai Village in Kadaiyanallur Taluk. He alleges that in the petition mentioned survey numbers, there are encroachments.

4. When the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned Government Advocate on written instructions from the Tahsildar, Kadaiyanallur Taluk submitted that the petition mentioned survey numbers have been classified as “sarkar poramboke odai”. It is further conceded that the private respondents herein Marithai and Madasamy are cultivating and growing lemon trees and coconut trees.

5. We make it clear that the character of the water body has to be maintained as such and such cultivation and growing of trees cannot be permitted. We direct the third respondent to issue notices to the private respondents as well as the said Marithai and Madasamy and hold enquiry and remove the encroachments. The original character of the water body shall also be restored. This exercise shall be completed within a period of five months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. This writ petition stands allowed accordingly. No costs.