The Madras High Court has ordered a temporary halt to a big housing project being built close to the Pallikaranai Marsh, an important Ramsar-designated wetland in Chennai.
The decision came after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) claimed that the project violates environmental laws and could increase flooding risks in nearby areas.
Madras HC Stops Housing Project Near Pallikaranai Marsh Wetland
Court’s Interim Order:
A division bench led by Chief Justice M.M. Srivatsava and Justice Arul Murugan issued an interim restraint on construction activities.
The PIL was filed by J. Brezhnev, a member of the AIADMK legal wing, who asked the court to cancel all approvals for the ₹2,000-crore Brigade Morgan Heights project and stop new construction within one kilometre of the marshland.
The court directed the Tamil Nadu Government and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to respond before the next hearing.
Environmental Concerns Raised:
The petitioner argued that:
- The project was illegally approved in an area covered under the Ramsar Convention and Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
- The Pallikaranai Marsh serves as a natural flood buffer, absorbing excess rainwater.
- The area is home to many bird and plant species, crucial for Chennai’s ecological balance.
- Unchecked urban development, garbage dumping, and encroachments have already damaged the wetland.
Government’s Response:
Officials from the Tamil Nadu government and CMDA said that:
- The housing site is outside the officially notified Pallikaranai Reserve Forest and Ramsar boundaries.
- The land used is private patta land, not government wetland.
- A detailed demarcation of the 1,248-hectare Ramsar site is being done —
- 698 hectares are marked as reserve forest.
- 550 hectares are adjoining wetland areas.
- The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management is verifying the site boundaries.
Public Reaction:
Environmental activists and civic groups like Arappor Iyakkam warned that this project could worsen flooding in Perumbakkam and Sholinganallur, especially during monsoon rains.
They say that building near wetlands reduces their capacity to absorb stormwater and recharge groundwater.
The case has sparked a new debate on how urban expansion is threatening Chennai’s natural wetlands, which are vital for the city’s environmental safety.
Exam-Oriented Facts:
- Pallikaranai Marsh is a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance) located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- In October 2025, the Madras High Court issued an interim stay on housing construction near this wetland.
- The case involves the ₹2,000-crore Brigade Morgan Heights project at Perumbakkam.
- The site is protected under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
- The wetland acts as a natural flood control zone and supports rich biodiversity.
Question & Answer
Q1. Which wetland was at the centre of the Madras High Court’s October 2025 ruling?
(a) Chilika Lake
(b) Pallikaranai Marsh
(c) Loktak Lake
(d) Deepor Beel
Answer: Pallikaranai Marsh
Q2. What is the estimated cost of the Brigade Morgan Heights project?
(a) ₹500 crore
(b) ₹1,000 crore
(c) ₹2,000 crore
(d) ₹3,500 crore
Answer: ₹2,000 crore
Q3. Under which rules is the Pallikaranai Marsh protected?
(a) Wildlife Protection Rules, 2010
(b) Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
(c) Forest Conservation Act, 1980
(d) Environmental Protection Rules, 2002
Answer: Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
Q4. Who filed the PIL against the housing project?
(a) Greenpeace India
(b) J. Brezhnev
(c) Arappor Iyakkam
(d) CMDA
Answer: J. Brezhnev
Q5. Which organisation is verifying the Ramsar site’s boundary?
(a) National Green Tribunal
(b) National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management
(c) Indian Institute of Science
(d) Central Pollution Control Board
Answer: National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management
Q6. What is the main environmental concern linked to the project?
(a) Deforestation
(b) Air pollution
(c) Flooding risk
(d) Water scarcity
Answer: Flooding risk
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