Kochi: The Kerala High Court has issued a directive to the state government to promptly deliver essential amenities such as toilets and drinking water facilities to tribal families residing in the villages of Pothugal, Vazhikkadavu, and Karulai, located in Nilambur taluk. These areas had been cut off from the rest of the region due to the devastating floods of 2018–19.
The bench, presided over by Chief Justice AJ Desai and Justice VG Arun, issued this order after observing that the government had not fully complied with their previous directive dated August 17, 2023. The earlier court order had mandated the provision of an adequate number of bio-toilets and clean drinking water facilities to these underserved communities.
The court’s decision comes in response to a petition filed by former Nilambur Municipality chairman, Aryadan Shoukath, and a social worker residing in Vaniampuzha Colony of Pothugal grama panchayat. The petition detailed allegations of severe human rights violations and injustices faced by the tribal populations in the aforementioned villages.
During the proceedings, the petitioners’ advocate informed the court that an e-toilet facility had been installed in the area, but it lacked a reliable water supply, affecting approximately 300 families.
As part of its directive, the Kerala High Court has mandated that the state government submit an affidavit confirming compliance with previous instructions and ensure the construction of an adequate number of toilets through the relevant Panchayat authorities, along with the provision of reliable water facilities. All these actions must be completed before the next court hearing, scheduled for October 19.
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