Tamil Nadu seeks to regulate, not ban, construction near Pallikaranai marsh

The Tamil Nadu State Water Authority (TNSWA) has submitted that construction activities in and around the Pallikaranai marshland can be effectively regulated through a zoning mechanism rather than a complete ban. In its submission to the Madras High Court, the authority argued that a balanced approach would allow for necessary development while protecting the wetland ecosystem.

The TNSWA has proposed an interim 'Zone of Influence' framework, developed in consultation with the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management. This mechanism is intended to delineate areas where construction can proceed under specified conditions and restrictions, as opposed to an across-the-board prohibition that could hinder legitimate development projects.

The Pallikaranai marshland, located on Chennai's outskirts, is one of South India's largest wetlands and supports diverse flora and fauna. The wetland has faced mounting pressure from urban expansion and infrastructure projects, prompting legal interventions to safeguard its ecological value.

The proposed Zone of Influence seeks to establish clear boundaries and development parameters that would protect the marshland's core ecological functions while allowing regulated activity in designated buffer areas. The framework aims to provide clarity to developers and administrators on permissible activities and required safeguards.