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Chennai-based civic organisation Arappor Iyakkam has urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to revoke approvals granted for a residential project being developed by Brigade Enterprises near the Pallikaranai marshland, alleging that the project site falls within the ecologically sensitive wetland area. The organisation has claimed that environmental and planning clearances were granted in violation of wetland protection norms and has sought immediate intervention from the state government. The issue relates to the Brigade Morgan Heights housing project in Perumbakkam, Chennai, for which the NGO alleges approvals were issued despite the site's proximity to the Pallikaranai Ramsar wetland. The developer has previously maintained that the project has obtained all statutory approvals from the relevant authorities. The dispute adds to the continuing debate over development activity and environmental protection around Chennai’s largest remaining wetland ecosystem.
Anti-corruption and civic activism organisation Arappor Iyakkam has written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin seeking the withdrawal of approvals granted to a residential development by Brigade Enterprises, alleging that the project is being undertaken on land forming part of the Pallikaranai marshland in Chennai.
The NGO has called for the cancellation of environmental and planning approvals issued for the Brigade Morgan Heights project in Perumbakkam, contending that the development falls within or directly adjoins the Pallikaranai marshland, a wetland recognised under the Ramsar Convention. According to the organisation, construction activity in such areas is restricted under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
Arappor Iyakkam has alleged that approvals were granted despite the ecological sensitivity of the site and has sought government intervention to halt the project. The organisation has also raised concerns regarding the role of various authorities involved in granting environmental and planning clearances, including the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and other regulatory agencies.
The dispute centres on a 14.7-acre land parcel in Perumbakkam where Brigade Enterprises has proposed the Brigade Morgan Heights residential project. According to Arappor Iyakkam, the site comprises survey numbers that form part of the Pallikaranai marshland area. The NGO has alleged that the project proponent did not adequately disclose the site's relationship with the Ramsar-designated wetland during the approval process.
Brigade Enterprises has previously stated that the project possesses all required statutory approvals and has maintained that the land is privately owned and was cleared by the competent authorities following the prescribed assessment process.
The controversy follows a series of legal and regulatory developments concerning construction activity near the Pallikaranai marshland. Earlier this year, the Madras High Court declined to hear petitions challenging the project, observing that wetland-related issues were already under consideration before the Supreme Court. The court indicated that affected parties could seek relief through proceedings before the apex court.
The Tamil Nadu government has previously stated that approvals were issued on private patta land and that no permission had been granted for construction within protected wetland areas. State authorities have also noted that the process of finalising digital boundaries and delineating the zone of influence of the Pallikaranai Ramsar site is still underway.
Pallikaranai Marsh, one of Chennai’s most significant wetland ecosystems and a notified Ramsar site, plays an important role in flood mitigation, groundwater recharge and biodiversity conservation. Environmental groups have long argued that continued urban expansion around the marshland requires stricter safeguards to protect the remaining wetland area.
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