Now, based on the issues pertaining on “Iyarkai Valam” case in W.P.No.
36135/2015 and the meeting held on 19-04-2018 under the Chairmanship of the
Chief Secretary to the Government, the Public Works Department (Water Resources
Department) vide reference (1) cited requested the TANGEDCO to refrain water
bodies from effecting electricity connection on the encroachments in objectionable
Poromboke particularly in water courses.
The minutes of the meeting also carries the statutory definition of “Water
bodies”, which is given as below:
“Water bodies include areas of lakes, ponds, rivers, tanks, reservoirs, areas of marsh, fen,peat land and their peripherals and channels, whether the same actually contain water or not, and whether the same are above the ground or below the ground. These may be natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, located in public or private property, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt. These also include areas classified as water bodies in official maps and revenue records, even if they have been reclassified or encroached upon in any way or inlets blocked.”
In view of the above, it is hereby instructed that the field officials shall follow the Regulation 27(12) of the TNE Distribution Code while effecting electricity service connection in Poromboke lands/Government lands and obtain No Objection Certificate from the concerned officer of the Government of Tamil Nadu who is not below the rank of Deputy Tahsildar. Further, the field officials are instructed to refrain from effecting electricity connection to the encroachments in objectionable Poromboke particularly in water courses.
The above instruction shall be followed without any deviation. Any lapses in
this regard shall be viewed seriously and action as deemed fit will be taken against
the erring officials.
TNEBES 