Chennai: The Southern Zone of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to ensure that all temple tanks in Tamil Nadu are maintained in line with standard operating procedures, to prevent deterioration in water quality.
The tribunal took suo motu cognisance after newspaper reports said fish were found dead and floating in the Kapaleeswarar Temple tank at Mylapore in Chennai. The matter was registered as a case and heard by the bench.
In its order, the bench comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Prasanth Bhargava said the Kapaleeswarar temple administration must continue implementing the preventive and remedial steps listed in its report filed on May 30.
The tribunal called for regular cleaning of the tank, periodic monitoring of water quality, a ban on lighting oil lamps on the steps, regulation of public access, and measures to prevent recurrence of fish deaths.
It also directed the Greater Chennai Corporation to maintain cleanliness around the tank and ensure timely removal of waste. HR&CE was asked to carry out periodic desilting and remove algae, aquatic weeds, floating debris and other pollutants to protect water quality and the aquatic ecosystem.
