Illegal Environmental Clearance for ₹2,000 Crore Project in Pallikaranai Marshland Alleged

Chennai-based non-governmental organization Arappor Iyakkam has raised serious concerns over alleged illegal environmental clearance and plan approvals for a multi-storeyed residential project by Brigade Enterprises Limited. The project, named Brigade Morgan Heights, is proposed on 14.7 acres in Perumbakkam, falling within the Pallikaranai marshland, a designated Ramsar wetland site.

During a press conference in Chennai, Arappor Iyakkam convenor Jayaram Venkatesan stated that the Forest Department had submitted a false report claiming the project site was 65 metres away from the marshland. However, according to the NGO, the adjoining land is under the department’s control, making the report misleading and raising serious environmental concerns.

The NGO has submitted a detailed complaint to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), the Chief Minister’s Office, and several other government authorities. The documents highlight that environmental clearance and plan approval for a project worth ₹2,000 crore were allegedly obtained illegally for survey numbers 453, 495/2c, 496, 497, and 498 in Perumbakkam.

Completion of this project, the NGO warns, could significantly increase flood risk in surrounding areas, including Perumbakkam and Sholinganallur. It also points to violations of the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017, which restrict permanent construction activities within protected wetland areas.

Arappor Iyakkam has urged immediate cancellation of all approvals and a thorough investigation into the roles of government agencies, including the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and the Forest Department. The NGO has attached 26 supporting documents and emphasized that the marshland land must be reclaimed to prevent ecological damage.

This case highlights the growing tension between urban development and environmental conservation in rapidly expanding Chennai suburbs. Legal and regulatory scrutiny will be critical in ensuring that ecological integrity is not compromised for large-scale real estate projects.