Large-scale violation of Ramsar norms near Pallikaranai, alleges Arappor
Officials faced political pressure, as the Rs 2,000 project was showcased during the Global Investors Meet, it said
Pallikaranai marshland
Chennai: There is large-scale corruption in granting environmental clearance and building approvals for a massive residential project within the Pallikaranai marshland, a Ramsar site, in Chennai, alleged anti-corruption activist group Arappor Iyakkam on Thursday.
In the complaint sent to Chief Minister MK Stalin, Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, Chief Secretary, and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Jayaram Venkatesan, convenor of the organisation, said a builder was constructing 1,250 high-end apartments worth around Rs 2,000 crore in the Ram Nagar area of Pallikaranai, though it is a designated Ramsar wetland protected under the 2017 Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules.
"In April 2022, the Tamil Nadu government officially notified 1,247.5 hectares (3,080 acres) of Pallikaranai marsh as part of the Ramsar-protected area, with 690.65 hectares under the Forest Department's control and the remaining 547 hectares designated for restoration," he pointed out.
Despite the protection, the builder submitted an application in June 2022 for environmental clearance to construct 1,250 residential units over 14.7 acres.
Jayaram alleged that the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) deliberately ignored the norms. "The SEAC initially noted that the site was ‘near’ the wetland but later approved it in December 2024, followed by SEIAA's final clearance on January 20, 2025. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) granted building approval just three days later," he added.
The organisation further alleged that political pressure was exerted on officials, as the project had been showcased at the 2024 Global Investors Meet, with Chief Minister MK Stalin and Minister TRB Rajaa signing a memorandum of understanding with the builder, calling it a Rs 2,000-crore investment.
Arappor demanded that the government should immediately cancel the environmental and building permits granted to the builder, and suspend the IAS and IFS officials involved in granting the clearances.
"A probe should be conducted to determine whether ministers are involved in violations. Also, all the construction approvals given after 2022 within the Ramsar site should be revoked. The government should take over and restore all encroached wetland areas," Arappor demanded.
