Madras High Court Allows Tamil Nadu to Build Eco-Park Ponds on ₹6,000 Crore MRC Land

The Madras High Court on Wednesday granted the Tamil Nadu government permission to proceed with constructing waterbodies on the prime 160-acre Madras Race Club (MRC) land at Guindy, valued at Rs 6,000 crore. A division bench of Justices SM Subramaniam and Mohammed Shaffiq allowed the state to strengthen and develop ponds for monsoon water storage and related public projects while hearing an appeal against a single judge's order that had restrained the eco-park initiative. The ruling reverses a prior status quo directive, enabling critical flood mitigation efforts amid Chennai's recurring waterlogging challenges.

Senior counsel P Wilson, representing the state, informed the court that the government reclaimed the valuable land last year following the termination of MRC's lease deed. He emphasised that the proposed eco-park forms part of an integrated flood mitigation project featuring scientifically designed blue-green infrastructure to store substantial floodwater and prevent urban inundation during monsoons. Despite the single judge permitting tenders for the eco-park, the status quo order had stalled physical works, prompting the state's urgent appeal. The bench's interim relief clears the path for immediate implementation of these waterbody enhancements on the Guindy premises.

MRC's senior counsel PH Pandian objected to Justice Subramaniam's participation, citing his prior involvement in related MRC litigation, and sought the judge's recusal. The bench rejected the plea, prioritising the appeal's progression. The dispute originates from MRC's petition challenging the lease termination and land resumption, highlighting tensions over the use of this strategically located asset in the heart of Chennai. The Race Club had operated on the land for decades under a long-term lease, but the government's takeover aligns with broader public infrastructure goals.

Also Read: 'Chalo Bihar, Badlein Bihar': Mahagathbandhan Announces Tejashwi Yadav as CM Candidate

This development holds significant implications for Chennai's urban resilience, where annual northeast monsoons frequently paralyse the city, causing billions in damages. The eco-park project promises to transform the MRC site into a multifunctional green space that doubles as a flood buffer, addressing longstanding drainage deficiencies. Environmentalists and urban planners have welcomed the court's nod, viewing it as a pragmatic step toward sustainable water management. However, MRC's ongoing legal battle suggests future challenges may arise. With works now greenlit, the state faces pressure to deliver tangible flood relief ahead of the 2025 monsoon season, balancing development with the site's ecological and historical legacy.

Also Read: Tesla Expands Chip Partnership with Samsung for AI5 Production, Reducing TSMC Reliance