Anbumani seeks demolition of retaining wall and walkway being built in Pallikaranai Marsh

The president of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Anbumani Ramadoss, has called for the immediate demolition of a retaining wall and an adjoining walkway that are currently under construction in the Pallikaranai Marsh, a wetland area that straddles the southern suburbs of Chennai. In a press conference held on Tuesday, the veteran politician argued that the structures, which are being erected by the state’s Public Works Department (PWD) in collaboration with the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), have disrupted the natural flow of rainwater across the marsh and have contributed to recent flooding incidents in the neighbouring localities of Pallikaranai and Jalladianpet.Anbumani’s demand comes against the backdrop of a series of heavy downpours that have battered the region over the past month, prompting residents to lodge complaints with municipal authorities about waterlogging and the failure of drainage systems. “The wall and the walkway are obstructing the natural channels that have existed for centuries,” he said, gesturing towards a site map that showed the location of the construction..

“When the monsoon rains hit, water that should have percolated into the marsh is now being forced to accumulate on the surface, creating pools that have to be pumped out artificially. This is not only wasteful but also endangers the ecological balance of the marsh.”The Pallikaranai Marsh, spanning approximately 80 hectares, is recognised as a critical habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, including several species of migratory birds. It also serves as a natural sponge that absorbs excess rainwater, reducing the risk of urban flooding in surrounding areas..

Environmental groups have long warned that any interference with its hydrology could have far‑reaching consequences. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) last year issued a notice urging the state government to refrain from any construction that might impede the wetland’s drainage capacity, a directive that, according to Anbumani, has been ignored.In response to the allegations, the PWD issued a statement on Wednesday defending the project. According to the department, the retaining wall is part of a broader initiative to stabilise the marsh’s banks, prevent soil erosion, and provide a safe pedestrian pathway for local residents..

“The construction follows all applicable environmental clearances and has been designed to complement, rather than compromise, the marsh’s natural functions,” the statement read. It further asserted that the walkway is intended to enhance public access to the area, encouraging eco‑tourism and educational activities.CMDA officials, when approached for comment, said that the project aligns with the city’s master plan, which earmarks certain sections of the marsh for controlled development to accommodate the growing demand for public amenities. “We have conducted extensive hydrological studies that indicate the wall will not hinder water flow,” said a senior engineer from the authority..

“Instead, it will protect the adjacent residential zones from erosion while the walkway will provide a safe route for commuters, reducing the need for vehicular traffic that contributes to pollution.”Local residents, however, remain unconvinced. A group of homeowners from Jalladianpet organised a protest on Thursday, holding placards that read “Save our Marsh” and “No More Walls”. Many of them recounted personal experiences of standing knee‑deep in water after the last rains, describing how the rising floodwaters forced them to evacuate their homes for hours..

“We have always relied on the marsh to drain the rain,” said S. Ramesh, a 45‑year‑old accountant. “Now, with this wall, the water has nowhere to go, and we are paying the price.”Environmental activists have also weighed in, citing scientific research that underscores the importance of maintaining uninterrupted water pathways in wetland ecosystems..

Kavitha Ramaswamy, a wetland ecologist at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Chennai, explained that retaining walls can alter the hydraulic gradient, leading to reduced infiltration rates and increased surface runoff. “When you block the natural channels, you essentially create a bottleneck,” she said. “Over time, this can lead to the loss of wetland functions such as groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, and habitat provision.”The state government’s response to the mounting pressure appears to be cautious..

Stalin’s office released a brief statement indicating that the administration is “monitoring the situation closely” and will “review all ongoing projects in environmentally sensitive zones”. The statement stopped short of committing to any specific action, instead promising a “comprehensive assessment” that will involve experts from the TNPCB, the Forest Department, and the CMDA.Political analysts suggest that Anbumani’s intervention may be part of a broader strategy to mobilise public sentiment ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. “Water management and environmental stewardship have become potent electoral issues in Tamil Nadu,” said S..

Venkatesan, a senior researcher at the Centre for Public Policy Research. “By positioning himself as a defender of the marsh, Anbumani is tapping into both local grievances and the growing awareness of climate resilience among voters.”Nevertheless, the debate has highlighted a deeper conflict between development objectives and ecological preservation in rapidly urbanising regions. Chennai’s expansion has placed increasing pressure on its limited green spaces, prompting authorities to seek a balance between infrastructure needs and environmental safeguards..

The Pallikaranai case may set a precedent for how future projects are evaluated in similar contexts.As the monsoon season approaches, residents, officials, and activists alike are waiting for a definitive decision. The immediate priority, according to community leaders, is to halt any further construction until an independent audit can verify that the retaining wall will not exacerbate flooding. For now, the marsh remains a contested space, emblematic of the challenges that Indian cities face in reconciling growth with the imperative to protect natural ecosystems..