SEIAA Revokes Clearance For Brigade's Rs 2,000-Crore Perumbakkam Project

The Tamil Nadu State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has revoked the environmental clearance for a Rs 2,000-crore residential project in Perumbakkam, near the Pallikaranai marshland.

The decision has halted the construction of approximately 1,400 housing units proposed by real estate developer Brigade Enterprises.

According to the SEIAA order, the revocation followed a communication from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority. The Wetland Authority reported that Brigade Enterprises had commenced construction activities without obtaining mandatory prior permission, violating a key condition of the environmental clearance originally granted in January.

Condition No. 9 of the initial clearance explicitly required the project proponent to obtain due permission from the Wetland Authority before commencing any work. Because construction activities began without this approval, the SEIAA determined that the developer failed to comply with the stipulated conditions, prompting the withdrawal of the clearance under the threat of further action under the Environment Protection Act.

The proposed development in Perumbakkam village, located in Chengalpattu district, has faced sustained opposition from environmental activists. Critics argue that the project site falls within the broader Pallikaranai marsh ecosystem, parts of which are designated as a Ramsar site of international importance. Activists have warned that large-scale construction in this ecologically sensitive area could adversely affect flood moderation, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity conservation.

The project has also been the subject of legal and political contention. The Madras High Court previously ordered a halt to construction following a petition filed by an AIADMK functionary who challenged the legality of the project's approvals. Additionally, the project triggered political controversy during the previous DMK regime, amid allegations that planning approvals were granted for land within a wetland management zone, though the state government denied any wrongdoing.

Brigade Enterprises has defended the project, stating that the development is on private patta land and that all statutory approvals had been duly obtained. Asserting that the SEIAA's revocation is not legally sustainable, Brigade Enterprises and the landowner, Morgan Asia Pvt Ltd, have filed an appeal before the Supreme Court of India, where the matter is currently sub judice.