Residents protest against dumping of construction debris in Pallikaranai marshland

Residents have opposed the decision of Greater Chennai Corporation to use a part of the Pallikaranai marshland in Perungudi dumpyard to dump construction debris.

Chennai Corporation recently announced various locations for dumping of construction debris including the Perungudi dumping ground on 200 feet road inside the Pallikaranai marshland, as part of new guidelines for construction and demolition waste management.

Aravind Kelvin, secretary of the Madipakkam Kuberan Nagar Extension Residents’ Association, said, “Over 2,000 families in Madipakkam and south of Velachery will be affected even further if construction and debris waste are brought to the dumpyard, while still grappling with the issues due to the mixed waste in the area.” He said the stench from the Perungudi dumpyard is already unbearable, especially during windy days, and if C&D waste is brought, the dust will be menacing. “Over a decade ago, flora and fauna was lush. I used to cycle in this area. Now, I have stopped due to the dumpyard. Commuting will get tougher as there are already so many heavy vehicles plying to and from the dumpyard. Now, there is going to be more, adding to woes, living here is going to get more challenging,” he said. Health hazard risks would rise and many are already suffering from respiratory problems here, he added.

“Through the Federation of Madipakkam Residents Welfare Associations, we will write a petition against using the Perungudi dumpyard as a designated location for C&D waste to the GCC,” he said.

A. Francis, president, Federation of Thoraipakkam Residents’ Welfare Associations, said the residents will launch a protest against the dumping of construction debris in Perungudi dumpyard. “GCC has decided to dump construction debris without holding public consultations. GCC should stop dumping of construction debris in the Perungudi dumpyard because the dumpyard is located inside the Pallikaranai marshland. It is a Ramsar site. If the GCC dumps construction debris, the long term goal of restoration of the marshland will not be achieved. Residents have been demanding the GCC to stop dumping and restore the marshland to the original condition,” he said.

Velachery resident S.Kumararaja of Save Pallikaranai Marshland Forum said the residents have opposed it and have planned to approach the National Green Tribunal.

Chennai Corporation has been unwilling to hand over a part of the marshland located north of the Radial Road to the forest department for restoration because the area has been crucial for waste disposal. The proposal to shift the dumpyard to another location also failed many years ago. After bio mining, most of the waste has been cleared in Perungudi. A few months ago, residents opposed the project to create a park, stating that the marshland should be restored for improving flood mitigation in the city. Chennai Corporation has already handed over a part of the marshland located in the southern part of the radial road to the Forest Department. NGT has also ordered the removal of encroachments in the Pallikaranai marshland.