Anbumani accuses officials of favouring real estate developers in Pallikaranai marshland case

Anbumani Ramadoss | Photo Credit: S. SIVA SARAVANAN PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday accused senior Tamil Nadu government officials of favouring private real estate developers in the Pallikaranai marshland case and urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to intervene.In a statement, he alleged that the State government had sided with developers who challenged the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) September 24, 2025 order banning construction within a one-kilometre radius of the marshland in the hearing before the Madras High Court on Wednesday.The Chief Justice-led Bench declined to pass any order on the Tamil Nadu State Wetlands Authority’s interim decision to reduce the zone of influence, as the matter was pending before the Supreme Court. However, the developers’ counsel insisted that the one-kilometre radius be recognised as the zone of influence and the construction ban lifted.Dr. Anbumani alleged that the State had failed to oppose this demand and reiterated its position to reduce the zone of influence from the 8,397 acres identified by the NGT to 316 acres. The High Court is expected to pronounce its verdict in the coming days.He said the zone of influence should be scientifically delineated, covering all 65 water bodies and their feeder channels in the Pallikaranai drainage basin. He also questioned the continued construction of a compound wall and walkway along the marshland despite the government having reported that 99% of its satellite-based measurement had been completed.Urging the government to expedite the demarcation exercise and retain the construction ban for at least three more months, Dr. Anbumani cautioned that the destruction of the marshland could have serious consequences for Chennai. Published - November 12, 2026 08:21 pm IST