CMDA clears city builder in Pallikaranai marshland case

Chennai: Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has given a clean chit to the Casa Grande case concerning alleged construction activities within Pallikaranai marshland in Perumbakkam. CMDA’s additional status report, submitted to National Green Tribunal (NGT), clarified that building permits issued to Casa Grande are for areas that do not fall within the protected swamp area.
The issue arose from a news report which highlighted road construction within the marshland. This prompted a suo motu case by the NGT to investigate the claims. CMDA, represented by member secretary Anshul Mishra, provided detailed explanations to address the concerns raised.
In the initial report, CMDA said that the area was classified as a residential zone. However, NGT southern zone questioned whether the existence of an approach road was considered when the building permit was granted.
CMDA’s Second Master Plan (SMP) 2026 for Chennai metropolitan area has clearly marked Pallikaranai swamp area, ensuring that no planning permissions are granted for developments within this demarcated zone. The planning permissions granted to Casa Grande were for developments in patta lands, which are designated as primary residential use zones in the SMP. These areas do not encroach upon the protected swamp lands.
CMDA acknowledged the designation of Pallikaranai swamp area as a Ramsar site in July 2022. Efforts are underway to gather precise details to be incorporated into the upcoming Third Master Plan for 2027-2046, which will include appropriate guidelines and influence zones around the swamp area. CMDA is coordinating with Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority to ensure all relevant guidelines and influence zones are accurately reflected in future planning documents.
CMDA’s clarification effectively exonerates Casa Grande from allegations of illegal construction within the marshland. The case is scheduled for hearing on July 12.