Construction activities at the Pallikaranai Marshland have come under strong opposition over concerns that the project could affect the wetland’s natural water flow and increase the risk of flooding in surrounding areas. The works, being carried out under the Neithal Restoration and Conservation Work, include a nearly 3-km-long, six-foot-high retaining wall and a 2-km-long walkway. Those opposing the project have urged the Tamil Nadu government to immediately stop the construction, remove structures already built in the marshland and restore the affected areas. Environmental concerns have been raised that the retaining wall and walkway could obstruct the natural movement of rainwater into the marshland. This could potentially lead to waterlogging and flooding during heavy rainfall, particularly as Pallikaranai serves as an important natural water-retention area for Chennai. There are also demands for the removal of encroachments and the official demarcation and notification of the marshland’s boundaries. The wetland is estimated to have declined from around 15,000 acres historically to nearly 1,750 acres today due to encroachments and urban development. Environmental groups and those opposing the construction have called for restoration measures to focus on protecting the remaining wetland, maintaining natural drainage channels and preventing further encroachment. They have warned that mass protests could be launched if the construction is not halted, putting renewed focus on the protection of Pallikaranai Marshland and Chennai’s flood-management system.