Stop-Work Notice Likely for Illegal Constructions on Karikattupukkam Beach

Revenue and environment officials are preparing to halt unauthorized private constructions on Old Karikattupukkam beach in Tamil Nadu’s Chengalpattu district. The buildings, being raised on government land categorized as grama natham, are also violating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, according to officials.

The location, under survey number 107/1 in Muttukadu panchayat, falls under CRZ-3 as per the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP). This category bars development within 200 metres from the high tide line — a No Development Zone (NDZ) where only restricted activities such as repairs to authorised structures are permitted.

Following a report by The New Indian Express (TNIE), the state Department of Environment intervened. AR Rahul Nadh, director of the department and member secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA), confirmed that a stop-work notice is imminent.

“The CRZ rules have been violated. The Chengalpattu collector, who also chairs the district CZMA, will issue a stop-work notice after verifying land records,” Nadh said. He also directed the district administration to initiate an inquiry into the land titles and issued show-cause notices.

Contrary to official findings, local panchayat officials claim pattas were issued long ago and building approvals were granted. However, fishermen’s representatives and land records accessed by TNIE confirm that the site is grama natham land meant exclusively for the landless poor.

“These are still classified as government lands. There’s no confusion,” said K Saravanan, a local fishermen leader.

Tahsildar Natarajan, who visited the site on Tuesday, said a survey has been completed and a detailed report will be submitted to the collector for action.

Sources confirm that some of the structures are dangerously close to the high tide line, breaching CRZ guidelines that strictly prohibit new construction in such ecologically sensitive areas, barring a few exceptions like traditional fishing community dwellings and coastal infrastructure projects with clearance.