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

The Pallikaranai Marsh, located on the southern edge of Chennai, is one of the city’s largest wetlands and serves as a natural sponge that absorbs monsoon rainwater. Over the past few years, rapid urban development has placed pressure on the area, leading to the construction of a retaining wall and a concrete walkway along its periphery. Local residents and environmental groups have raised concerns that these structures interfere with the marsh’s ability to channel water, increasing the risk of waterlogging in nearby neighborhoods. The issue has drawn attention from state officials and civil society alike.

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has formally requested that the retaining wall and walkway be removed, arguing that the structures have blocked the natural flow of rainwater into the marsh. He points to recent flooding in Pallikaranai and the adjacent Jalladianpet area, where stagnant water had to be pumped back into the wetland to prevent damage to homes and businesses. According to his statements, the obstruction not only hampers drainage but also threatens the ecological balance of the marsh, which supports a variety of bird species and acts as a carbon sink.

City planners and the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department have indicated that they will review the demolition request and assess alternative flood‑mitigation measures. If the wall and walkway are removed, the marsh could regain its capacity to absorb excess rainwater, reducing the frequency of emergency pumping operations and lowering the risk of property loss. For residents of Chennai and surrounding districts, the outcome will affect daily commuting, real‑estate values, and public health, making the decision a matter of wide public interest.