State officials pause the ₹2,000 crore development due to environmental clearance issues.
Construction on a major Chennai residential project stops following claims of wetland encroachment.
The Tamil Nadu government recently stopped a major development in Perumbakkam. Brigade Enterprises leads this ₹2,000 crore project. Consequently, work ceased due to missing mandatory wetland permissions, the site reportedly sits within the protected Pallikaranai Ramsar boundary.
The State Environment Impact Assessment Authority revoked the project’s environmental clearance. This decision followed a meeting held in early May. Previously, an anti-corruption group flagged potential violations at the location. Therefore, the authority reviewed the project’s impact on the ecologically sensitive marshland.
The project includes 1,250 units across nearly 15 acres of land. However, the wetland authority stated the developer failed to secure necessary approvals. Building activity commenced before the state granted the required environmental consent. This action violated several conditions attached to the original clearance.
Brigade Group described the revocation as factually incorrect & legally unsustainable. The developer claims the land has private records dating back to 1935. Furthermore, they argue the site remained in continuous private possession for decades. The company now plans to explore legal remedies against the state’s order.
The company noted that no objections arrived during the initial public notices. Management expressed frustration over the lack of opportunity to present evidence. In the meantime, the developer is returning booking costs to various buyers. This move aims to mitigate financial uncertainty for current customers.
Environmental organisations welcomed the decision as a win for local conservation. They believe the move helps protect the vital Pallikaranai marsh ecosystem. Meanwhile, officials are reviewing additional building permissions for the same site. Consequently, the future of the housing development remains uncertain.
(Source: ET Realty)
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