Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has issued a comprehensive clarification in the ongoing Casa Grande case, concerning allegations of construction activities within the protected Pallikaranai marshland in Perumbakkam. The authority’s additional status report, submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), confirms that the building permits granted to Casa Grande are exclusively for areas outside the designated swamp conservation zone.
The controversy emerged following media reports highlighting road construction activities within the marshland, prompting the NGT to initiate a suo motu case to investigate the matter. CMDA, represented by its member secretary Anshul Mishra, meticulously addressed the concerns raised during the proceedings.
Initially, CMDA clarified that the construction area was legally classified as a residential zone under its jurisdiction. However, questions arose from the NGT southern zone regarding the consideration of approach roads in the permitting process.
CMDA’s Second Master Plan (SMP) for 2026 clearly delineates the Pallikaranai swamp area as a protected Ramsar site since July 2022. This designation ensures that no planning permissions are granted for developments within the demarcated conservation zones. The permits issued to Casa Grande pertained strictly to lands designated as patta lands, earmarked for primary residential use as per the SMP. These lands do not overlap with the ecologically sensitive marshland areas.
Furthermore, CMDA acknowledged the significance of Pallikaranai swamp as a Ramsar site and has initiated efforts to incorporate precise details into the forthcoming Third Master Plan spanning from 2027 to 2046. This strategic planning phase will encompass comprehensive guidelines and influence zones around the swamp area, ensuring strict adherence to conservation protocols.
The CMDA’s detailed clarification effectively absolves Casa Grande from allegations of unauthorized construction within the marshland. The case is scheduled for a hearing on July 12, where further developments are anticipated based on the CMDA’s submitted evidence and NGT deliberations.
This ruling underscores the importance of regulatory clarity in urban planning and environmental conservation efforts, reinforcing the CMDA’s commitment to upholding sustainable development practices in Chennai’s metropolitan region.