The division bench of justices K G Balkrishan and M H Quadri has issued notices to the State governments of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the Irrigation department, the superintending engineer of Ukai dam, the Surat district collector, the municipal commissioner, the Surat Urban Development Corporation, the Gujarat Electricity Board and the Central Water Commission.

In his petition, advocate Manish Patel contended that though the Ukai reservoir became full at 351 feet, water was released after the level reached only 345 feet. All top officials in charge of the dam were also on leave at that time, the PIL alleged.

Moreover, it said, the government had neglected to complete the embankment walls along the Tapi river while there was no check on sand mining and lease-holders who had damaged the embankment at various places.

It pointed out that despite demands, the state government had never dredged the river. All this proved that the disaster was man-made and could have been avoided, the petition added.

The petitioner has enclosed the details of discharge of water from September 13 to Septmeber 17.