Tamil Nadu
Devaneri
,
Mahabalipuram
,
Chengalpattu
Published :
Feb 2023
|
Updated :
Plans to build world class oceanarium revived; former landowners oppose the move in Tamil Nadu
Reported by
Viswanathan Shridhar
Legal Review by
Anmol Gupta
Edited by
Anupa Kujur
29
Households affected
29
People affected
2012
Year started
6
ha.
Land area affected
29
Households affected
29
People Affected
2012
Year started
6
Land area affected
Key Insights
Sector
Infrastructure
Reason/Cause of conflict
Other Kind of Infrastructure
Conflict Status
Ongoing
Ended
Legal Status
Region Classification
Urban and Rural
Ended
Sector
Infrastructure
Reason/Cause of conflict
Other Kind of Infrastructure
1
Summary

In 2013, the then Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu announced plans for setting up of an Oceanarium at Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram. Located in Chengalpattu district, Mahabalipuram is an ancient port city of India.

In 2014, the Tamil Nadu government published a policy note detailing its ambitious world class oceanarium at the Devaneri Village of Mahabalipuram. The project plan was prepared by the Fisheries Department in coordination with Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TNTDC) at an estimated cost of Rs.257.59 crores spreading across 13.07 acres. This project was first thought of in 1974 but gathered pace from 2014.

Land for the project however was acquired from 29 individuals in 1974 itself. The total land acquired amounted to 15.02 acres by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation jointly with the then Kancheepuram (now Chengalpattu) District Collector.

The oceanarium was deemed as the sole purpose of acquisition. According to the affected landowners, the land was kept idle until 2012. This made them file a writ petition in the Madras High Court with the demand to reclaim their land under section 48 B of the Land Acquisition (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, 1948 and section 24(2) of Land Acquisition Act of 2013.

In 2016, the state fisheries department floated a tender for the construction of the project.

It was only in November 2021, the Madras High Court dismissed all the writ petitions filed by the former land owners. The reasoning offered by the court was that since the land acquisition proceedings had been completed and they had already received compensation, their claims did not stand.

While the land still remains with TNTDC, the project is still to take off.

2
Fact Sheet

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Demand to get back acquired land

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Region Classification

Urban and Rural

Type of Land

Private

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Details of sources (names of accused, names and numbers of any lawyers, names of any police officers contacted)

Status of Project

Project underway despite protests

Original Project Deadline

2017

Whether the Project has been Delayed

Significance of Land to Land Owners/Users

Agricultural land

Whether the project was stalled due to land conflict

No

Source/Reference

Total investment involved (in Crores):

257.59

Type of investment:

Cost of Project

Year of Estimation

2014

Page Number In Investment Document:

8

Has the Conflict Ended?

No

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

4
Additional Information

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

Fisheries Department, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, Revenue Department, Commissionerate of Land Administration

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

Yes

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

No

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

5
Information on the use of criminal law

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Legal Supporting Documents

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Author
Reported by
Viswanathan Sridhar

Viswanathan is a creative individual whose interests lie at the intersection of architecture, urban development, and design. His research interests include issues of urban development, housing, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and land. As an upcoming architect and urban development practitioner, he thrives on crafting visionary spaces and shaping vibrant communities. His diverse portfolio showcases his expertise across various disciplines, making him a true Renaissance professional.  With him, the worlds of architecture, design, and social entrepreneurship unite, forming an individual dedicated to shaping the future and inspiring others to think beyond the ordinary. 

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Fact sheet

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Demand to get back acquired land

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Status of Project

Project underway despite protests

Original Project Deadline

2017

Whether the Project has been Delayed

Significance of Land to Land Owners/Users

Agricultural land

Whether the project was stalled due to land conflict

No

Source/Reference

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