CHENNAI: Thoraipakkam residents demonstrated on Saturday along 200-Feet Road, opposing the CMDA’s decision to suspend building permits within a 1km radius of the Pallikaranai marshland. The Federation of Thoraipakkam Residents Welfare Associations stated that this restriction significantly impacts owners of approved plots and patta lands across various localities along the OMR-IT corridor.
More than 200 residents joined the protest, urging the state government to reconsider the circular and protect the rights of individuals who purchased approved housing sites. Protesters called for the removal of encroachments in the marshland instead of enforcing restrictions on already approved residential areas.
“Around 1 lakh houses are affected by this circular. Many residents had pending loan applications that have now been rejected. In the future, we may not receive permission to even reconstruct buildings due to these restrictions,” said federation president A. Francis.
Residents expressed concerns that Sholinganallur is a rapidly developing area, and such restrictions could hinder ongoing and future development projects. They emphasized that the protest seeks clarity, relief measures, and a viable policy solution for the property owners affected.
“Although the area was merged into the Chennai corporation in 2011, basic amenities are still lacking. The restrictions on granting approvals for patta lands will hinder further development,” noted Thoraipakkam resident S. Sudharshan.
Sholinganallur MLA S. Aravind Ramesh spoke with the protesting residents, assuring them that he would raise the matter with the government.
