- (1.) When the matter was taken up yesterday i.e. 16th August, 2018, after hearing learned counsel for the petitioner, the learned counsel for the States of Kerala and Tamil Nadu and Mr. P.S. Narasimha, learned Additional Solicitor General appearing for the Union of India, the following directions were issued:- (a) The Sub-Committee constituted under Section 9 of The Disaster Management Act, 2005 along with National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) should hold a meeting, sometime tomorrow in the morning, with the competent authorities of the States of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. If the meeting is not possible by physical presence, the authorities may take aid of video conferencing. (b) An effort has to be made by the Committees to see if there can be a possibility of bringing down the water level, at least to 139 ft., so that the people staying in the downstream of the dam do not remain in the constant fear. (c) The States of Kerala and Tamil Nadu shall coordinate with the NCMC so that the people who have been displaced by flood are given adequate relief immediately. (d) The Sub-Committee may suggest, before water is released from the dam to the downstream areas, as to what kind of measures can be taken to handle the disaster so that the people ultimately do suffer from the catastrophe caused by the flood. (e) The Committee that has been directed to meet tomorrow in the morning must come out with a Disaster Management Plan which shall be made public so that the people can remain prepared for the same. (f) The decision of the Sub-Committee, needless to say, shall be implemented by both the States immediately although we are taking up the matter tomorrow at 02:00 p.m.. We say so as action speaks much faster than words can convey."
(2.) As the Court shall function after 1:00 p.m. today, the matter has been preponed and taken up for hearing.
(3.) When Mr. P.S. Narasimha, learned Additional Solicitor General opened his submissions, the Court was informed by him that the Committee has commenced the meeting and it was in progress. It is his further submission that all efforts have been made by the Central Government for involving the States of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to deal with the calamity that has taken place. Towards the conclusion of his submissions, the learned Additional Solicitor General received instructions that the meeting has been concluded. He would urge that some time should be given to place the report of the Committee so that this Court can appreciate the obtaining fact situation.;