Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss recently made serious allegations against the DMK government, asserting that it has permitted extensive encroachment in Chennai’s Pallikaranai marshland over the past six decades. He claimed this has resulted in a staggering loss of approximately 10,000 acres of the ecologically significant wetland.
During his ‘To reclaim the rights of Tamil people’ padayatra, Anbumani visited Omalur and inspected the Sarabanga river. Addressing the media, he highlighted that the marshland, which once spanned 12,500 acres before 1967, has now dwindled to a mere 2,500 acres. He attributed this drastic reduction to ‘unchecked encroachments and construction activities’ that occurred under various DMK administrations. Anbumani also criticized the State for its failure to formally notify wetlands under the 2017 Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, noting that despite 26,800 wetlands in Tamil Nadu exceeding five acres, none have been designated. He pointed out that the Supreme Court had mandated boundary marking within three months in December 2024, yet no action has been taken.
He vehemently dismissed the government’s assertion that only 698 hectares were marshland, with the remainder being ‘patta land’. Anbumani questioned, “How can marshland magically become patta land?” and alleged ‘scientific corruption,’ demanding accountability for those responsible.
Additional Corruption Charges
Anbumani also brought to light that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had reportedly issued a 250-page notice to the State police regarding alleged irregularities in appointments within the rural water supply department. He accused the government of circumventing TNPSC recruitment processes by amending a 2021 Government Order in 2023 to facilitate direct appointments. He declared this a ‘clear misuse of power,’ emphasizing that ‘corruption is not confined to one department; it is widespread.’
Furthermore, the PMK leader advocated for a comprehensive ₹5,000-crore water project. He urged the government to utilize surplus water from Mettur to interlink the Sarabanga, Thirumanimutharu, and Vasishta rivers, thereby recharging local waterbodies. He stressed that while the Salem Corporation requires only one TMC of water annually, four TMC of Sarabanga water currently flows unused into the Cauvery, a resource that could be effectively harnessed to alleviate Salem’s water scarcity issues.