Chennai civic body barred from building sewage station on OSR land

Court order halts construction

The Madras High Court has restrained the Chennai Corporation from proceeding with the construction of a sewage pumping station on open space reservation (OSR) land in Manapakkam. The interim order came on a petition challenging the civic body's move, which residents argue violates the purpose for which such land is earmarked.

Justice N. Anand Venkatesh issued the directive on Monday, while admitting the plea filed by a local resident. The court's restraint order will remain in force until the next hearing, effectively freezing all work at the site.

OSR land misuse alleged

OSR land is typically set aside by developers and handed over to the local authority, meant strictly for public amenities such as parks, playgrounds, or community spaces. The petitioner contends that a sewage pumping station is not a permissible use under the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) rules, which govern such reservations.

The petitioner's counsel argued that the Corporation's decision to locate the pumping station on OSR land would deprive residents of much-needed green cover in the densely populated neighbourhood. The area has seen rapid residential growth in recent years, making the preservation of open spaces all the more critical.

Corporation yet to respond

The Chennai Corporation has not yet filed a counter-affidavit in the case. The court has directed the civic body to respond to the allegations and explain its rationale for choosing OSR land for the infrastructure project. Officials have not confirmed whether an alternative site is being considered.

This is not the first time the Corporation has faced scrutiny over the use of OSR land. Past instances in other parts of the city have led to similar litigation, with courts emphasising the need to strictly adhere to the earmarked purposes of such parcels.

Residents demand transparency

Local residents have welcomed the court's intervention, saying they were kept in the dark about the project. Many say they learnt of the construction only when digging began at the site last month, prompting them to approach the court.

The petitioner has also sought a direction to the Corporation to publish details of all OSR lands in the zone and their current usage, arguing that this would ensure greater accountability. The court has not yet ruled on that prayer, but the demand reflects growing public concern over the management of reserved lands in Chennai.

What happens next

The case is scheduled for further hearing later this month, when the Corporation is expected to file its response. Until then, the construction remains stalled, and the future of the pumping station—and the fate of the OSR plot—hangs in the balance. The outcome could set a precedent for how Chennai handles infrastructure needs against the preservation of open spaces.