சட்டமன்றப் பேரவை சட்டமுன்வடிவு எண். 6/2024, 2024 ஆம் ஆண்டு தமிழ்நாடு ஊராட்சிகள் (நான்காம் திருத்தச்) சட்டம்
Government of Tamil Nadu published Legislative Assembly Bill No. 6 of 2024 in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette Extraordinary dated 21 February 2024 for public information. The bill, introduced in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on 21 February 2024, proposes to amend the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994 by inserting a new section 144-A to regulate the collection, transport and disposal of faecal sludge and sewage within panchayat limits. It would require licensed operators, place duties on building owners and occupiers, create monitoring and enforcement powers, and provide penalties, seizure, confiscation and appeal provisions.
What this document is
Government of Tamil Nadu published Legislative Assembly Bill No. 6 of 2024, titled 2024 ஆம் ஆண்டு தமிழ்நாடு ஊராட்சிகள் (நான்காம் திருத்தச்) சட்டம், in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette Extraordinary dated 21 February 2024 for public information under Rule 130 of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Rules. The bill was introduced in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on 21 February 2024 and proposes a further amendment to the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994.
What it changes
Legislative Assembly Bill No. 6 of 2024 would insert a new section 144-A on faecal sludge and sewage management.
The proposal says that, within panchayat limits, no person can collect, transport or dispose of faecal sludge or sewage from residential, commercial or institutional buildings without a valid licence issued under the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Act, 1998. A local body or statutory board is exempt from needing such a licence for these activities.
Who it affects
This proposal matters to people in panchayat areas, especially:
- owners or occupiers of buildings with septic tanks or on-site sanitation systems
- licensed desludging and sewage transport operators
- vehicle owners and persons in charge of such vehicles
- panchayat and district level enforcement authorities
Main duties proposed
For owners or occupiers of buildings in panchayat areas, the bill requires them to:
- ensure septic tanks or on-site sanitation systems meet the National Building Code, 2016 requirements
- arrange proper desludging in line with the design and operating requirements in the National Building Code, 2016
- use only a licensed operator for collection, transport or disposal of faecal sludge and sewage
- ensure no person is directly or indirectly engaged for hazardous cleaning prohibited under the law banning employment as manual scavengers and providing for rehabilitation
For licensed operators, the bill requires them to:
- follow licence terms and conditions, and the notified time, route and disposal point
- pay the prescribed disposal fee, subject to the cap stated in the bill
- maintain a vehicle logbook in the prescribed form and submit it quarterly to the Inspector
Enforcement and penalties proposed
The bill provides for:
- notification or online publication of disposal places, timings, routes, updated licensee lists, and complaint mechanisms
- immediate directions when sewage spillage is reported, to contain and remove it and reduce environmental impact
- district level monitoring of notified vehicles, including through GPS or inspection
- fines for first and later offences
- suspension or cancellation requests against a licensee in specified cases
- seizure of vehicles, motors, pipes, hoses, tools, equipment and other items used in an offence
- confiscation after notice and hearing, and possible public auction in public interest
- an appeal to the Inspector within thirty days, with the Inspector's decision being final
Why the bill was proposed
The statement of objects and reasons says irresponsible disposal of faecal sludge and sewage in open environments and water bodies creates a major environmental risk. The stated aim is to regulate the movement and operation of lorries, tractors and other vehicles used for septic tank desludging and transport, and to ensure safe disposal in panchayat areas.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does this document already bring the new rules into force in panchayat areas?
No. The text is a bill published for public information after introduction in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. It says the proposed amendment will come into force on a date to be notified by the State Government.
If I own a building in a panchayat area, what would I have to do under this proposal?
The proposal would require the owner or occupier to ensure the septic tank or on-site sanitation system complies with the National Building Code, 2016, arrange proper desludging, use only a licensed operator, and ensure no prohibited hazardous cleaning is carried out.
Can any private tanker or vehicle remove sewage or faecal sludge in a panchayat area?
No. The proposal says no person can collect, transport or dispose of faecal sludge or sewage within panchayat limits without a valid licence issued under the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Act, 1998, except for a local body or statutory board.
What can authorities do if the proposed rules are violated?
The proposal allows seizure of vehicles and related equipment used for the offence, possible confiscation after notice and hearing, and in some cases public auction. It also provides fines, and for licensees, possible suspension or cancellation through the licensing authority.
