CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has suspended construction on Brigade Enterprises’ ₹2,000-crore residential project in Perumbakkam. The halt follows the discovery that construction began without the required permissions from the Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority (TNSWA). The project consists of 1,250 units across 14.7 acres and is reported to be situated within the ecologically sensitive Pallikaranai Ramsar Wetland Site.
During a meeting on May 8, just two days before TVK took office, the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) revoked the environmental clearance (EC) previously granted to Brigade Enterprises Ltd. This action was influenced by a complaint last October from the anti-corruption NGO Arappor Iyakkam, which pointed out that the site is within the Ramsar boundary of Pallikaranai marshland. The NGO resubmitted its complaint to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on June 14.
Minutes from the SEIAA meeting indicate that on April 16, the TNSWA’s member-secretary communicated that Brigade Enterprises did not acquire the necessary permission from the wetland authority before beginning construction, violating conditions attached to the EC issued on January 20 for specific survey numbers in Perumbakkam village. The authority emphasized that construction had commenced without the required approvals.
Brigade Group responded by stating that the revocation of the order was “legally unsustainable, factually incorrect, and arbitrary,” and they plan to explore legal options to contest the decision. They emphasized that the project site consists of private patta land classified as punjai in revenue records dating back to 1935, with continuous ownership since 1985. The company noted that public notifications were issued when entering the joint development agreement and securing the land, and stated that no objections were raised. Brigade also mentioned they were not allowed to present documentary evidence prior to the EC revocation.
“In light of the ongoing issues, we have begun refunding booking costs to purchasers,” the company announced.
Welcoming the government’s decision, Arappor Iyakkam stated that the cancellation of the EC is a significant move for the preservation of the Pallikaranai marsh. Environmental organization Poovulagin Nanbargal also supported this decision and urged the government to prioritize the identification and notification of wetlands statewide.
Arappor Iyakkam has urged the CMDA to revoke the building permission as well. CMDA officials have confirmed they are currently reviewing the building permission granted to Brigade.
