A major crackdown on Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) violations is underway in Muttukadu along Chennai’s East Coast Road (ECR), with 22 beachfront residential buildings now under threat of demolition. The Chengalpattu district administration has flagged these constructions as illegal, citing their location within the No Development Zone (NDZ) of CRZ-III, which strictly prohibits permanent structures within 200 metres of the High Tide Line.
Under-Construction Projects Continue Despite CRZ Restrictions
Shockingly, at least six of these structures were still under construction during a recent inspection by government officials. This reveals a blatant disregard for CRZ norms, even after repeated awareness drives and monitoring alerts in coastal zones. The remaining structures include luxurious multi-storey homes, already completed and in use—highlighting the extent of high-end real estate development encroaching on fragile coastal ecosystems.
Collector’s Report Submitted to National Green Tribunal (NGT)
These violations came to light following an Action Taken Report submitted by Chengalpattu District Collector S Arunraj to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT had taken suo motu cognizance of the issue. A field team consisting of revenue and environmental department officials carried out GPS-tagged inspections to map illegal buildings and collect evidence.
Ownership records and photographic documentation were submitted to the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA), paving the way for legal action. During the hearing, NGT Expert Member Satyagopal Korlapati questioned the delay in initiating demolition, emphasizing the urgency of restoring compliance in ecologically sensitive zones.
Why CRZ-III Compliance Matters for Buyers and Builders
The CRZ rules exist to protect coastal ecology, prevent soil erosion, and safeguard human lives from rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Structures built in violation of CRZ norms not only risk demolition but can also invalidate sale deeds, disqualify home loans, and result in financial losses for buyers.
Before investing in coastal properties, it’s essential to conduct thorough due diligence. Using Verified.RealEstate’s tools like the Land Use Zone Finder, CRZ Zone Check, and Due Diligence Services, buyers can verify whether a plot falls within restricted zones.
What This Means for Real Estate Along ECR
This development may lead to stricter CRZ enforcement across the entire ECR belt, a popular corridor for premium beachfront homes. Investors, builders, and buyers are now on high alert. Experts predict that regulatory oversight will increase, and unauthorized constructions near sensitive zones will be dealt with more stringently