Builders Challenge Construction Ban Near Wetland Area in High Court A real estate developers’ association on Tuesday approached the high court challenging an order of a green tribunal that prohibits construction activities within a 1km radius of a major marshland. The restriction will remain in force until a comprehensive scientific study identifying the wetland’s zone of influence is completed. Admitting the plea, a division bench of the high court directed the metropolitan development authority and the state forest department to respond to the petition within four weeks. According to the petitioner, the tribunal had earlier directed authorities not to grant approvals or permissions within the “zone of influence.” The association argued that the zone was arbitrarily fixed at 1km around the internationally recognised wetland boundary without scientific demarcation, statutory notification, or consultation with stakeholders. Following the tribunal’s order, the planning authority issued directions halting approvals, leading to what the association described as a sudden planning freeze across a large land area covering more than 8,000 acres spread across several villages within the city corporation limits. The petitioners stated that they are not seeking any dilution of measures aimed at protecting the marshland and its recognised wetland boundary. Their concern, they said, is only with the directive that prevents authorities from granting approvals in the zone of influence. The association further submitted that the area in question is already densely developed with metro rail infrastructure, information technology parks, government offices and other public utilities. The surrounding villages have also undergone significant urbanisation with long-established residential and commercial developments.