SEIAA Revokes Clearance for Brigade's Rs 2,000-Crore Housing Project in Perumbakkam

The Tamil Nadu State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has revoked the environmental clearance granted for Brigade Enterprises' proposed Rs 2,000-crore residential project in Perumbakkam near the Pallikaranai marshland, citing a failure to comply with mandatory environmental conditions.

The project, planned to include around 1,400 housing units in Perumbakkam village within Chengalpattu district, had received environmental clearance in January. However, the action to revoke the permit was taken following a communication from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority, who reported that construction had commenced without securing mandatory prior approval.

According to the SEIAA order, Condition No. 9 of the original clearance explicitly stipulated that the project proponent was required to obtain permission from the Wetland Authority before beginning any on-site work. The authority determined that Brigade Enterprises started construction activities without securing this permission, which constituted a direct violation of the clearance conditions.

The SEIAA noted that the clearance contained terms warning that failure to comply with stipulated conditions could result in the withdrawal of approvals and subsequent action under the Environment Protection Act.

The residential development has faced long-standing opposition from environmental activists due to its location within the wider Pallikaranai marsh ecosystem, parts of which are designated as an internationally protected Ramsar site. Environmentalists have expressed concern over the potential impact of large-scale construction on the marshland's capacity for flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and local biodiversity.

Legal and political challenges have previously surrounded the development. The Madras High Court had earlier ordered a halt to construction following a petition submitted by an AIADMK functionary challenging the legality of the project's approvals. Allegations were also raised during the previous DMK administration regarding planning permissions on land situated within a wetland management zone, though the state government maintained that due process had been observed.

In response to the revocation, Brigade Enterprises stated that the project is situated on private patta land and maintains all necessary statutory approvals. The company, alongside landowner Morgan Asia Pvt Ltd, indicated that it views the revocation as legally unsustainable and has approached the Supreme Court of India, where an appeal has been filed.