Chengalpattu district administration has issued a stop-work order for illegal constructions undertaken along the Muttukadu coast. These structures were being built on poromboke land and in areas classified as ‘No Development Zone’ under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019.
Following a report on the illegal construction published by The Hindu on April 15, Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, and Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA), on Wednesday, confirmed that the notice to halt the construction was issued by Chengalpattu Collector S. Arunraj.
As per the notice issued, under the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, the buildings must be demolished or restored to its original condition (before any changes were made) within 15 days of receiving the notice. If the buildings are not restored, the authorities will take action to demolish or change the building as needed.
The construction was taking place in Karikattukuppam in Muttukadu, an area severely affected by coastal erosion. It falls under CRZ III, which prohibits new buildings, except for repairs to existing authorised structures. Despite these rules, at least three private bungalows were under construction on land marked as “village natham”, intended for landless people.
Coastal activist K. Saravanan had raised concerns in July 2024 about the unauthorised construction. He had highlighted the contrast between the struggles of the fishing community for housing and the privileges given to private developers. The area also saw violations by a private resort that built a seawall without CRZ clearance.
Published - April 16, 2025 09:20 pm IST
