The Madras High Court has restrained the Greater Chennai Corporation from issuing completion certificates for developments in aquifer recharge zones located between the Bay of Bengal and the Buckingham Canal in Chennai. The affected areas fall under Zones 14 and 15, where construction activities must comply with the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules. The court has also directed the civic body to verify compliance with the applicable building regulations before issuing completion certificates. Further construction activities and building plan approvals must strictly follow the rules governing aquifer recharge zones. The interim order was passed in response to a public interest litigation highlighting alleged construction violations and inadequate monitoring in these environmentally sensitive areas. The court emphasised that protecting water bodies and groundwater resources is essential, noting that unauthorised construction in restricted zones could affect groundwater levels and the rights of other citizens. The development highlights the importance of regulatory compliance, proper building approvals and environmental protection in Chennai's real estate sector.