The Madras High Court upheld the government’s rights over the foreshore of Vandiyur tank in Madurai. It observed that a waterbody includes not only the land where water is actually collected, but also its bund, foreshore area and water-spread area.

The Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench allowed Madurai Corporation to continue the ₹50-crore Vandiyur Tank Beautification Project, after hearing two public interest litigations. The project was nearly 80% complete; the corporation said it would not reduce the tank’s storage capacity or water level. The court vacated its interim injunction but required strict compliance with Rule 4 of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. Permanent construction, except boat jetties, and commercial activity are prohibited within 50 metres of the mean high flood level recorded over the past 10 years. The court ordered authorities to ensure within 18 months that no untreated water enters the tank, criticised the failure to prevent sewage and drainage discharge, and questioned the lack of a budget for sewage treatment plants. Motorised boats were banned; non-motorised boating may proceed.

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directed authorities to make Vandiyur tank pollution-free within 18 months and ensure no untreated water enters it. It called for an immediate response and public-awareness campaigns, and barred motorised boats.

The court modified an earlier restraint order, allowing development and beautification works subject to Rule 4 of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. Permanent construction must comply with the rules; commercial construction is prohibited within the restricted distance. The court said the Water Resources Department/Public Works Department, which controls the tank, must work with Madurai Corporation and the district administration to prevent pollution.

The order disposed of public-interest petitions filed by Madurai advocates M. Pozhilan and R. Manibharathi. Madurai Corporation said the project would provide recreational space without reducing storage capacity or water levels; work began last year and was 80% complete.

Madurai Corporation is overhauling storm-water drainage at key locations with KfW funding, but residents in other vulnerable areas remain concerned about monsoon readiness. Sellur, Vandiyur, Ayyan Pappakudi and Old Ramnad Road continue to rely on drain desilting, mobile pumps, mini-excavators and robotic machinery to address recurring waterlogging.

Nearly half of the city’s waterlogging problems are attributed to structural blockages. Other causes include low-lying plots, overflowing water bodies, insufficient drain cross-sections, missing drains and seepage from nearby Public Works Department channels. Residents say repeated desilting is only a temporary solution.

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directed the State to file a report on a public interest litigation seeking safety improvements on the ring road between Valayankulam, Chinthamani and Vandiyur toll plazas and the connecting NH-44 corridor. The petitioner, A.F. Parvesh Mushraf of Dindigul, said parts of the route are inadequately lit at night, increasing collision risks, and called for a comprehensive night-time road-safety and lighting audit. He sought identification of dark spots, accident-prone locations and safety deficiencies, with a location-wise report naming the authorities responsible for rectification. The petition also seeks sufficient lighting, stronger night-time police patrols, CCTV surveillance and emergency-response facilities. The court listed the matter for October 12.