DMK allowed encroachment of 10,000 acres in Pallikaranai marshland: Anbumani

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Wednesday (October 29, 2025) accused the DMK government of permitting large-scale encroachments in Chennai’s Pallikaranai marshland over the past six decades, leading to the loss of about 10,000 acres of the ecologically important wetland.

As part of his 100-day padayatra titled, ‘To reclaim the rights of Tamil people,’ he visited Omalur and inspected the Sarabanga river.

Addressing the media, Dr. Anbumani said the marshland, which spread over 12,500 acres before 1967, had shrunk to 2,500 acres due to “unchecked encroachments and construction activities” under successive DMK regimes. He criticised the State for failing to notify wetlands under the 2017 Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules. “Tamil Nadu has 26,800 wetlands over five acres, but not one has been notified. The Supreme Court ordered boundary marking within three months in December 2024, but nothing has been done,” he said.

Dismissing the government’s claim that only 698 hectares were marshland and the rest, patta land, he asked, “How can marshland become patta land?” and alleged “scientific corruption,” demanding that those responsible be punished.

Corruption charges

He said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had issued a 250-page notice to the State police on alleged irregularities in appointments in the rural water supply department, accusing the government of bypassing TNPSC recruitment by amending a 2021 Government Order in 2023 to enable direct appointments. “This is a clear misuse of power. Corruption is not confined to one department; it is widespread,” he charged.

Calling for a ₹5,000-crore comprehensive water project, the leader urged the government to utilise surplus water from Mettur to interlink the Sarabanga, Thirumanimutharu, and Vasishta rivers to recharge local waterbodies. “The Salem Corporation needs only one TMC of water annually. The four TMC of Sarabanga water now flowing waste into the Cauvery should be harnessed to end Salem’s water scarcity,” he said.