Which locations are affected?

Localities named in the appeal include Srinivasapuram, Old Foreshore Estate, VOC Nagar, Old Block in Vyasarpadi, Nagooran Thottam, NVN Nagar Phase II, Jafferkhanpet, Rukmani Nagar and Kanagam.

Residents should confirm with the board whether their particular block falls within the affected project areas.

Link to Tamil Nadu’s reconstruction programme

On 23 October 2026, the Housing Minister announced plans to rebuild 12,648 tenements across 20 sites statewide, at an estimated ₹2,882.62 crore.

Fourteen of the 23 areas covered by the evacuation appeal are included in the proposed reconstruction programme. The remaining nine could also be considered for rebuilding.

As of October 31, the government order for the proposals was still awaited. Board chairman Ku Pa Krishnan indicated that reconstruction could begin in January after the rains, subject to residents vacating.

What residents should clarify before moving

Families should obtain written clarification about temporary accommodation, shifting assistance, reconstruction timelines and their eligibility to return.

Arrangements can differ between projects. Residents should retain their allotment papers and copies of any relocation or rehabilitation commitments issued by the board.

The Mamallan Reservoir Project

The Mamallan Reservoir was proposed by the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department and formally launched by the previous DMK government led by M.K. Stalin in January 2026.

Planned in the Kovalam sub-basin near Nemmeli in Chengalpattu district, the reservoir would extend across parts of Tiruporur and Thirukazhukundram taluks, between East Coast Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road.

1. Estimated project cost: approximately ₹342.60 crore
2. Project area: roughly 5,100 acres
3. Proposed daily supply: up to 170 MLD, or 17 crore litres

It was planned to serve nearly 13 lakh residents across Chennai’s rapidly expanding southern suburbs, spanning from Sholinganallur to Thiruporur.  It also aims to capture surplus monsoon runoff, strengthen water security, and reduce seawater intrusion.

The reservoir was initially assessed at around ₹471 crore in the project’s environmental report, but the cost announced when construction was launched was ₹342.60 crore.

To now more about it : Read https://community.verified.realestate/article/a-%e2%82%b9471-crore-coastal-reservoir-near-kovalam-is-set-to-transform-chennais-southern-water-security/

The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department divided the work into phases/packages and invited contractors through competitive tendering for this project.

For Phase 1, Package 1, covering the reservoir’s eastern and southern sides:

• Tender value was approximately ₹164.61 crore.
• The tender was published in November 2025.
• P&C Projects Pvt. Ltd. was subsequently awarded a contract reported at about ₹166.9 crore.
• The contractor was reportedly given 24 months to complete this package.

However, as the project has moved from proposal to execution, it has also drawn growing scrutiny from environmental groups, local residents and youth organisations. While the government presents the reservoir as a critical infrastructure project to address Chennai’s long-term drinking water needs, concerns have emerged over the ecological nature of the proposed site.

What is officially described as a development zone is, according to critics, part of a sensitive coastal landscape that plays a key role in the region’s natural drainage and biodiversity systems.

Protesters Say the Site Is a Living Wetland

The protesters argue that the project site is not vacant or unused land, but a functioning tidal marsh and coastal wetland ecosystem.

They fear that converting the brackish marsh into a freshwater reservoir would disturb the natural mixing of freshwater and seawater, affecting fish, prawns, crabs, birds and other species dependent on the wetland.

A fisherman from Kovalam said wetlands protect coastal communities and cities and should not be destroyed in the name of climate resilience.

Fishing Livelihoods Could Be Affected

The marshlands serve as fishing and breeding grounds for communities living around Kovalam and adjoining coastal villages.

Protesters warned that changes in water flow and salinity could reduce fish and prawn populations and threaten the livelihoods of fishing families. They also argued that Irulars, Dalits and other marginalised communities could bear the environmental and economic costs while the reservoir’s benefits are supplied to urban areas elsewhere.

Concerns Over Buckingham Canal and Flooding

One of the major allegations is that reservoir bunds and structures may obstruct the Buckingham Canal and natural coastal drainage routes.

Opponents fear that blocking or restricting these channels could increase waterlogging and flood risks during intense monsoon rainfall. They also warn that permanently converting a tidal marsh into an artificial freshwater storage area could cause irreversible ecological damage.

Protesters Demand an Independent Study

The youth organisations are not simply opposing additional drinking-water supply for Chennai. They want the government to prove that the project will not damage the wetland, increase flooding or destroy local livelihoods.

They have demanded an independent study covering:

• tidal and floodwater movement;
• impact on Buckingham Canal;
• fish-breeding and fishing areas;
• changes in salinity and groundwater;
• effects on birds and wetland biodiversity; and
• alternative locations or water-supply solutions.

The Mamallan Reservoir has now become an important environmental test for the present Tamil Nadu government. The central question is whether Chennai’s need for drinking water can be addressed without destroying a natural wetland that already provides flood protection, biodiversity and livelihoods to coastal communities.

What is the Global City Project?
The proposed Global City aims to develop an integrated urban township offering residential, commercial, educational, and healthcare facilities. It targets becoming a business hub to alleviate congestion in Chennai city and attract global investment, particularly in IT, fintech, and high-tech industries.

Importance and Benefits of the Global City
The Global City will include IT parks, fintech trade zones, multi-tier residential complexes, advanced infrastructure, recreational areas, educational institutions, and healthcare centers. The development promises substantial economic growth, job creation, and enhanced living standards.

Potential Locations Identified
Industry experts have pointed out three key potential regions near Chennai:

• East Coast Road (ECR), beyond Mamallapuram
• Chengalpattu region
• Sriperumbudur area (specifically Irungattukottai, Pullalur, Soorai, Thodukadu, Melpadi, and Sogandi)

Each location offers strategic advantages such as connectivity, proximity to existing industries, and infrastructure readiness.

Eligibility and Documentation Required
For such large-scale developments, the government must manage comprehensive land acquisition, environmental clearances (especially CRZ regulations for coastal regions), and zoning approvals. Official documentation includes certified ECs, land records (Patta), and environmental clearances.

Regulations and Rules
Key regulatory concerns involve compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms if ECR is selected, adherence to land-use zoning regulations, and environmental sustainability standards. Thorough due diligence is essential to meet these legal requirements.

Practical Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Land verification: Ensure thorough property verification to avoid future legal disputes.
• Infrastructure readiness: Infrastructure such as water supply, power, and transportation must precede large-scale commercial development to prevent operational delays.
• Market feasibility: Conduct extensive feasibility studies to gauge long-term demand accurately.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them

• Land Acquisition: Large, contiguous parcels of land near Chennai are scarce. To overcome this, phased land acquisition and collaboration with private landowners are crucial.
• Infrastructure Development: Establishing transportation networks (metro, road, expressways) before development will streamline the project.
• Ensuring Demand: Gradual and phased development aligned with realistic market assessments can sustain demand and growth.

Conclusion
Tamil Nadu’s Global City project near Chennai is poised to significantly boost economic growth and urban development in the region. Strategic site selection, meticulous planning, comprehensive regulatory compliance, and phased infrastructure development will determine its success.