In 1972, the Pallikaranai marshland spanned 13,500 acres, but it has now shrunk to 1,200 acres. The government has been using this critical area, known as the liver of Chennai, as a dumpyard, receiving about 6,000 metric tonnes of garbage daily. A survey submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in January 2024 revealed that out of the total 1,206.59 hectares (ha) of the Pallikaranai marshland, the Forest Department controls 749 ha, while the Corporation holds 173.56 ha, with other public and private institutions also possessing parts of the land. According to the Corporation’s report, it possesses 445 acres, of which around 250 acres have been used for solid waste management for over three decades. The survey indicates that 38% of the Pallikaranai marshland is under legal and illegal occupation, as reported to the Southern Bench of the NGT by the T.N. government.

Another dumpyard exists in Kodungaiyur, but it is not a marshland. The Pallikaranai Marsh is still pending transfer to the Forest Department from the Tamil Nadu Corporation, though efforts are underway to convert it into an ecological park. The land, air, and water have become heavily polluted due to encroachment, and the government is also spending significant amounts to clear the dump. Additionally, 27 dangerous chemicals have been found in the dumpyard. The construction of a road through the Pallikaranai marshland, instead of a flyover, has further disrupted the ecosystem. Encroachment by government buildings and residential areas, including the National Institute of Wind Energy, the National Institute of Ocean Technology, MRTS Velachery, and over 1,080 houses, has compounded the problem.

Marshland to Dumpyard Story
Environmental activist Haris Sulthan states, “In 1984, OILEX was the first organization to start dumping waste in the Pallikaranai Marsh, transforming it from a lush ecosystem into a dumping ground. The government has continued this practice, and Rs. 136 crore has been allocated for the marsh clean-up, with Rs. 21 crore already spent. So far, 48% of the waste, amounting to 14.55 lakh cubic feet, has been removed, and 16 hectares of land have been reclaimed. The clean-up is expected to be completed by September this year.

“The Pallikaranai marshland is nature’s gift to Chennai city.” He points out that the recent Cyclone Michaung, which affected Chennai and caused major rivers including the Cooum to flood, led to further waterlogging in low-lying areas. The primary reason for this water stagnation in Chennai is the poorly maintained dumps in the Pallikaranai marshland.

“The Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (ELCOT) and the Railways occupy 163.25 ha and 46.92 ha of the marshland according to State counsel which disrupts Buckingham Canal’s water navigation during floods. Out of the total 1,206.59 ha of the Pallikaranai marshland, the Forest Department controls 749 ha. Notably, the newly built Thangavelu Engineering College is situated within the marshland. Concerns are raised that the encroached space might be sold and occupied by big corporates or used for commercial purposes.”

Kodungaiyur Biomining Project spells danger!
In North Chennai, the Kodungaiyur dumpyard is set to undergo a biomining project at a cost of Rs 1,026 crore. The plan involves burning 2,100 tonnes of waste daily. The government has proposed an integrated waste management facility, including a waste-to-energy (WTE) plant, similar to those in several other Indian cities. This project is slated for the already heavily polluted North Chennai region.

Haris warns, “Using insulators in Kodungaiyur to produce electricity is dangerous and will inevitably lead to air pollution. The Climate Action Plan on the Chennai Corporation’s website acknowledges these dangers. So, why is the government pursuing this project?

“The plan is being justified by citing its implementation in Delhi. However, Delhi is extremely polluted, and residents wear masks daily. Will Chennai face the same fate as Delhi?”

The Pallikaranai marsh is at risk of becoming filled with black sewage water due to significant silt accumulation, a concern largely overlooked by the public and met with silence from Environmental Minister Siva Meyappan. This silence is concerning, given the parallels drawn from Israel’s marshland fate when commercial interests take precedence. Failure to address this issue could lead to severe consequences, including disease outbreaks and ecological degradation. It’s imperative that we act swiftly to protect this invaluable ecosystem.