CHENNAI: The Tiruvallur district administration has reported to the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that nearly 600 hectares of water bodies across the district remain encroached, with only a portion cleared so far. District Collector M. Pratap submitted that of the 718.86 hectares identified as encroached, only 129.12 hectares have been cleared as of June 12.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining 589.74 hectares under the Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act, 1905, and the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Act, 2007. A district-level action plan prioritizing the reclamation of water bodies is in place, and monthly reviews are being conducted to monitor progress. Daily updates are also being tracked as part of the eviction plan.
The report was submitted following an NGT directive in a suo motu case concerning illegal constructions and encroachments affecting water bodies in Chennai and adjoining districts.
In a parallel submission, the Greater Chennai Corporation informed the Tribunal that of the 210 water bodies under its care, restoration work has been completed on 197. These efforts have not only plugged sewage inflows but also increased the water storage and improved groundwater levels. Flooding in nearby areas has also been mitigated.
Additionally, 257 of the 264 families that had encroached along Villivakkam Tank have been resettled. Regarding the Pallikaranai Marsh, the Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority revealed 304 survey and subdivision numbers fall within its boundaries.