Tamil Nadu’s wetlands authority has proposed allowing construction in certain parts of the buffer zone surrounding Chennai’s Pallikaranai marsh, subject to strict environmental safeguards to protect the wetland’s drainage system and ecological balance. According to a status report submitted to the court, construction need not be prohibited throughout the entire zone. Instead, development may be regulated based on site-specific scientific assessments and hydrological conditions. The revised interim zone covers 128.19 hectares across 36 survey numbers identified as potentially affecting the marsh’s water flow. The areas include several locations in southern Chennai and neighbouring regions. The proposed safeguards prohibit blocking or diverting existing drainage channels, natural water pathways and inlet and outlet channels. Dumping solid waste, construction debris or demolition waste into drainage routes would also be prohibited. Discharging untreated sewage, industrial effluents or wastewater into watercourses connected to the wetland would not be permitted. Permanent changes to established water connections and the establishment of highly polluting industries within the proposed zone would also be restricted. Construction activities would require a no-objection certificate from the district-level wetlands management committee. The proposal places emphasis on protecting natural water flow rather than imposing a blanket construction ban across the entire buffer zone. The safeguards aim to prevent development from disrupting drainage systems or damaging the wetland’s ecological character. The proposed boundary remains provisional. The final zone will be determined after scientific studies, land-record assessments and on-site verification in accordance with the applicable wetland conservation rules and guidelines.