Demolish Pallikaranai wetland compound wall to prevent floods, urges Anbumani Ramadoss

Wall Demolition Demand

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has demanded the immediate demolition of the newly constructed compound wall and walkway in the Pallikaranai marshland to prevent severe flooding in Chennai. According to his statements, a 3-kilometer long and 6-foot high compound wall along with a 2-kilometer walkway are currently being built under the guise of ecological restoration and protection work named Neithal Meetchi.

Flooding and Official Claims

Heavy stagnant water has accumulated in Pallikaranai and Jalladianpettai since the rains on September 17 because these structures block natural water flow into the marshland. Although a forest department official previously assured that giant pipes were fitted beneath the pathway to drain rainwater easily, recent downpours proved this claim false as water failed to drain fully despite the use of machinery. Ramadoss also wrote a letter to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay urging him to officially notify the wetland boundaries, release an integrated management plan, and include Chennai in the Ramsar wetland cities list.

Context

Wetlands like Pallikaranai act as vital natural sponges that absorb heavy urban rainfall and protect surrounding residential areas from severe waterlogging. Unauthorized constructions and blocking natural drainage paths in these ecological zones routinely worsen urban flood risks during the monsoon season.