Pollution for Profit Exposed: Court Orders Clean-Up of Village Tank, Flags Toxic Fish Farming Practices and Official Lapses

In M. Raja v. District Collector, Madurai & Ors., the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court addressed a writ petition alleging that a village tank in Chinnakuravakudi was being polluted due to unauthorized fish culture. While authorities initially denied any such activity, the Court ordered an independent field inspection and laboratory testing of water samples. The inquiry revealed that the villagers had auctioned fishery rights to a private individual, who engaged in intensive fish farming.

The Court noted that such practices typically involve the use of poultry waste and other noxious substances to accelerate fish growth leading to severe contamination of water, rendering it unfit for human and cattle consumption. The lab report confirmed heavy pollution, directly contradicting the official stance.

Rejecting arguments based on the petitioner’s credibility, the Court emphasized that environmental harm cannot be ignored on technical grounds. It held that discharging polluting matter into water bodies violates Section 24 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and infringes the right to life under Article 21.

The Bench also criticized officials for failing to detect the activity and for misleading the Court despite written assurances. Accordingly, it directed immediate de-pollution of the tank, initiation of action against those responsible for illegal fish culture, and communication to the Government for possible disciplinary proceedings against erring officials.

Further, the Court ordered the issuance of a circular mandating periodic inspections, biannual certification of water bodies, and compulsory water testing to prevent recurrence of such environmental violations.