CHENNAI: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (Credai) has approached the Madras High Court to challenge a National Green Tribunal (NGT) ruling that bans construction activities within a 1km radius of the Pallikaranai marshland. This ban will remain until a comprehensive scientific study is conducted to identify the wetland’s zone of influence.
The first bench, including Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan, has admitted the plea and instructed the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and the state forest department to respond within four weeks.
According to the petitioner, the NGT prohibited approvals or permissions in the ‘zone of influence’ on September 24, 2025. Credai argued that this zone was designated arbitrarily, extending 1km from the RAMSAR site boundary in Pallikaranai, lacking scientific demarcation, statutory notification, or stakeholder hearings.
The CMDA implemented a ban on approvals through an order dated October 9, 2025, resulting in a complete halt to planning over a vast area of 8,397 acres across more than ten villages within the Greater Chennai Corporation limits, the association claimed.
“We are not seeking to undermine any protective actions for the Pallikaranai swamp area and the RAMSAR site boundary,” stated the petitioner, emphasizing that their concern is solely about the order against granting approvals in the prescribed zone of influence.
The petitioners highlighted that the contested area is highly developed, featuring metro rail, IT parks, government offices, and other public amenities. The surrounding villages have also transitioned into urban environments, hosting long-established residential and commercial properties.
