CMDA halts Rs 8 crore Putheri lake restoration in Tambaram over pending NGT case
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has halted the Rs 8.15 crore Putheri lake restoration project in Tambaram because the planning authority was unaware of an ongoing National Green Tribunal (NGT) case regarding the removal of encroachments on the waterbody. In a letter to the Tambaram Corporation dated July 2, 2026, the CMDA informed the civic body that the work has been stopped and sought clarification on the pending tribunal case.
The issue came to light after resident petitioner S David Manohar sent a petition against the project to the CM Cell. Manohar alleged that the CMDA commenced restoration works in September 2025 without first removing the existing encroachments on the lake.
Local residents have expressed concern that strengthening the lake's bunds and creating footpaths without evicting encroachers will permanently shrink Putheri lake and legitimize the illegal structures.
According to revenue department records, there are 24 encroaching structures on the lake area, including concrete houses, car sheds, and compound walls. Additionally, the Tambaram Corporation itself has constructed a sewage pumping station that encroaches upon the lake. Out of the lake's total 4.23 hectares, more than 0.57 acres are currently under encroachment.
The legal dispute dates back to July 2022, when the NGT passed an order directing the Water Resources Department and the Tambaram Corporation to remove all encroachments on the lake. Alleging that these directives were not implemented, a resident filed a miscellaneous application with the tribunal in 2024, which remains pending.
The CMDA had requested the Tambaram Corporation to allow the restoration project in 2024. The proposed project aims to strengthen the bunds, provide footpaths, a children’s play area, toilets, and other facilities. The project's cost, which was initially estimated at Rs 3.4 crore, swelled to Rs 8.15 crore before the works began.
The CMDA noted that the Tambaram Corporation failed to mention the pending NGT case when it issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the project in October 2024. A CMDA official stated that only desilting and bund strengthening have been taken up so far, and no construction has started. Works will only resume based on the Tambaram Corporation’s response to the queries.
