A recent survey by the Tamil Nadu government has unveiled that 38% of the Pallikaranai marshland, a Ramsar-designated site, is under legal and illegal occupation by various entities. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), possessing 173.56 hectares, is among the occupants.
Other major occupants include Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (ELCOT) with 163.25 hectares, Railways with 46.92 hectares, and the Chennai One IT park illegally occupying 5.85 hectares. The Forest Department has 749 hectares. The NGT directed the GCC to find an alternative for its garbage dump yard, allowing the marshland’s restoration. The case is scheduled for further hearing on February 9.