Mosquito menace is man-made, says HC

TNN | Updated: Nov 12, 2017, 00:11 IST

Chennai: Blaming dengue and other such diseases on encroachments, violator-officer collusion and absence of setback space for buildings, the Madras high court said mosquito menace is man-made and there is a chain reaction for every such man-made wrong.

"Authorities turn a blind eye to construction of buildings that are in violation of Act and rules, and pave way for encroachments. Lakes, ponds and water channels are being clogged by buildings everywhere, for which the authorities are to be blamed," Justice S Vaidyanathan said.

The judge made the observations while quashing two orders the Salem corporation commissioner passed against a private hospital and an individual, slapping Rs 10 and Rs 15 lakh respectively for unhealthy conditions in their premises. The orders were passed as part of a dengue prevention drive initiated by the government across the state.

"A reading of the notice shows that no prior opportunity was given before imposition of fine. Admittedly, there is violation of principles of natural justice, as the fine amount is directly imposed upon the petitioners and not in accordance with the statute," the judge said.

The judge added that the severity of the menace was demonstrated by the sitting judges of the Madurai bench recently. The Madurai bench had asked staff to kill scores of mosquitoes with an electric racket, right on the judge's dais in the centrally air-conditioned court hall No 1.

Citizens should come forward to remove encroachments on their own. "Many of us do not value the importance of setback in houses. The area meant for setback is to ensure that water seeps in and such a provision has to be given in all buildings," Justice Vaidyanathan said.