PMK Leader Warns Pallikaranai Construction Could Worsen Chennai Flood Risk

PMK floor leader Sowmiya Anbumani on Sunday inspected the ongoing construction at the Pallikaranai marshland, reiterating her party's opposition to the project. She warned that the work would destroy the marshland's delicate ecosystem, which includes fish, trees, and aquatic plants.

Speaking to reporters, Ms. Sowmiya explained that the marshland serves as a natural floodwater drainage basin, storing excess water and helping replenish groundwater. She argued that the Tamil Nadu government's construction of a retaining wall would undermine these functions, potentially leaving surrounding residential areas vulnerable to flooding.

"There is no need to construct a concrete compound wall to protect the marshland," she said, suggesting that a simple fence would suffice. She also questioned the necessity of a walkway inside the marshland, which she said is being built with a ₹21 crore allocation. Ms. Sowmiya proposed that any walkway be built outside the marshland instead.

She noted that water has already begun accumulating in the area due to recent intermittent rains, warning that a retaining wall would prevent drainage during heavier floods. This, she added, could inundate neighbourhoods and increase the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

In a separate development, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss called for stronger police surveillance and intelligence operations in Tamil Nadu. He cited a series of ATM thefts in Chennai's suburbs over the past two weeks, including incidents where machines were stolen entirely. He also referenced the recent killing of a man named Kannan in Besant Nagar, who was an office-bearer of the ruling TVK and had a criminal record. Mr. Ramadoss said these incidents reflect a failure to prevent violent crime and robbery in the city.