The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the neglect of Madku Dweep, a prominent tourist destination and cultural heritage site, citing serious legal and administrative lapses. Acting on news reports published in Haribhoomi and Dainik Bhaskar, the court registered Public Interest Litigation WPPIL No. 7 of 2025 to address the deteriorating condition of the site, which has been left with minimal infrastructure and rampant mismanagement.
The Case: Madku Dweep’s State of Neglect
Madku Dweep, an island in Mungeli district, holds immense historical and religious significance as the penance site of sage Mandukya. Despite its importance, the site has suffered from inadequate basic facilities, including non-functional public toilets, a lack of drinking water, poor road connectivity, and garbage accumulation. Reports further highlighted that anti-social activities have marred the location, with broken benches, stolen faucets, and overall administrative apathy compounding the issues.
The court took cognizance of these issues based on reports published on January 9, 2025, which featured detailed accounts and photographs showing the island’s plight.
Key Legal Issues Raised
1. Violation of the Public Trust Doctrine: The neglect of Madku Dweep raises questions about the government’s failure to fulfill its constitutional duty to protect and maintain public resources, particularly those of cultural and natural significance.
2. Mismanagement of Public Funds: The court flagged potential misuse or misallocation of funds sanctioned for the island’s development in 2006 and 2013. The incomplete projects and deteriorating conditions suggest a lack of accountability in utilizing public money.
3. Right to Basic Amenities: The failure to provide essential facilities, such as toilets and clean drinking water, violates the right to dignity and equality, particularly for women and elderly visitors to the site.
4. Neglect of Tourism Infrastructure: The government’s inaction threatens the sustainability of tourism in Chhattisgarh, a critical sector for state revenue and cultural preservation.
Court’s Observations and Directions
The division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal expressed deep concern over the administrative neglect. Highlighting the broader implications of the issue, the court observed:
“The public money appears to have been wasted without completing the entire beautification. This apathy has led to depriving both tourists and locals of basic necessities.”
In its directions, the court:
1. Accountability of Local Authorities: Directed the Collector of Mungeli to file a personal affidavit detailing the current state of infrastructure, reasons for neglect, and proposed measures for improvement.
2. Examination of Fund Utilization: Instructed the Secretary of Tourism/Culture, Government of Chhattisgarh, to provide a comprehensive report on funds allocated for Madku Dweep’s development and maintenance, alongside similar tourism projects.
3. Focus on Infrastructure Improvement: Sought clarification on why previously sanctioned budgets for development in 2006 and 2013 were not effectively utilized.
