Arutpa Thondu Niruvanam v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 07.11.2025 C O R A M THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI W.P.No.42321 of 2025 Arutpa Thondu Niruvanam Rep by President Adhisekaran, S/o.Adhimoolam, M.C.R.Nagar, Chidambaram, Cuddalore District-608 001. ... Petitioner Vs 1.The District Collector, 2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Sirkali Taluk, 3.The Tahsildhar, Sirkali Taluk, 4.The Executive Engineeer, Water Resources Department, Kollidam Water Irrigation Division, Sirkali Taluk, 5.The Revenue Inspector, Sirkali Taluk, Mayiladuthurai District. ... Respondents 1/6

PRAYER : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents consider the petitioner's representation dated 28.09.2024 and thereby direct the respondents to permit the petitioner to cut-down the Prosopis Trees (Seemai Karuvela Maram) in and around the Kollidam River Bed located at Aalakudi Vellai manalthitthu, Achalapuram, Pudhupattinam, Maathiravelur covered under the Sirkali Taluk, Mayiladuthurai District.

For Petitioner : Mr.B.Sundarapandiyan For Respondents : Ms.S.Anitha, Special Government Pleader

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents consider the petitioner's representation dated 28.09.2024 and to permit the petitioner to cut-down the Prosopis Trees (Seemai Karuvela Maram) in and around the Kollidam River Bed located at Aalakudi Vellai manalthitthu, Achalapuram, Pudhupattinam, Maathiravelur covered under the Sirkali Taluk,

2. Ms.S.Anitha, learned Special Government Pleader takes notice on behalf of the respondents.

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3. The petitioner is running a charitable trust namely Arutpa Thondu Nirvanam. It is the case of the petitioner that Prosopis trees (Seemai Karuvelam Trees) cause serious environmental harm as their roots deplete soil nutrients, contaminate groundwater and do not contribute adequate oxygen. Further, these trees do not support bird habitation and obstruct the natural flow of water in rivers and water bodies due to which, the flow of water to agriculturists situated in and around the concerned water bodies and the river bed has been severely affected. Hence, the petitioner made a representation to the respondent authorities on 28.09.2024 requesting permission to cut and remove the Prosopis trees in and around the water bodies. However, the said representation has not been considered till date. Hence, the petitioner has come up with the present Writ Petition.

4. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that this Court may issue a direction to the 1st respondent to either remove the said trees situated in and around the water body covered under the Sirkali Taluk, Mayiladuthurai District by themselves or grant permission to the petitioner to remove the same.

5. On the above contention, this Court heard the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents who has no objection to the 3/6

said order being pased.

6. In view of the limited relief sought for by the petitioner, this Court without expressing any opinion of the merits of the case, directs the respondents either remove the Seemai Karuvela Maram which is situated in and around the water body covered under the Sirkali Taluk, Mayiladuthurai District or otherwise grant permission to the petitioner to remove the said trees under the supervision and monitoring of the local village authorities/representative. The said exercise shall be completed within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7. This Writ Petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid direction. There shall be no order as to costs.

07.11.2025 Index : Yes / No Speaking Order / Non-speaking order Nhs 4/6

To 1.The District Collector, 2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Sirkali Taluk, 3.The Tahsildhar, Sirkali Taluk, 4.The Executive Engineeer, Water Resources Department, Kollidam Water Irrigation Division, Sirkali Taluk, 5.The Revenue Inspector, Sirkali Taluk, 5/6

M.DHANDAPANI, J Nhs W.P.No.42321 of 2025 07.11.2025 6/6