Chennai: Dissatisfied with the local body’s efforts to protect Munishwaran Temple tank in Tiruvallur district, the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has called for the restoration of the waterbody within 90 days and warned action against local body officials if they fail to comply with the orders.Posting the matter for the next hearing on Sept 8, the tribunal said the officer in charge and head of the department concerned will be held personally liable if the tank is not maintained properly, attracting a penalty and action under Section 28 of the NGT Act, 2010. The matter was posted for Sept 8 for further hearing. The case was taken up suo motu in Apr 2025 by the tribunal based on news reports of garbage being dumped near the temple. In Dec 2025, the then collector sanctioned ₹5.53 lakh from the funds of the Poonamallee panchayat union to improve the condition of the tank and clear inlets and outlets within 90 days. However, the sanction was cancelled citing metro work in the area.Taking strong exception to the withdrawal of the financial sanction, the Bench comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and member Prashant Gargava said, “We are surprised that the sanction was cancelled on account of metro work. Let the district collector file a report as to why the sanction was granted, why it was cancelled and what would be the action plan.”The tribunal also criticised the local body for its improper handling of solid waste management near the temple, based on TNPCB reports, and reiterated that it was the panchayat’s responsibility to maintain the premises. Urging the block development officer to clean up the site next to the temple and not use it as a dumping yard, the Bench said, “The said site is also situated right on the highway. Dumping waste should not be allowed, and the place should be put to better use, which may also facilitate the devotees who come to the temple.
