An artist’s impression of the Kalaignar Convention Centre in Muttukadu
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA) has approved the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the Kalaignar Convention Centre in Muttukadu, ECR.

The project will cover 1,48,454 square metres of land, with 47,658 square metres dedicated to buildings. It will feature a 1,500-seat convention hall, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and a 4,000-person exhibition hall, along with landscaped open spaces, dining areas, and parking for 4,000 vehicles. The estimated cost is ₹525 crore, and the project proponent is the Public Works Department.

The land is split into CRZ-III and non-CRZ areas. Of the total, 24,767 square metres lies within CRZ-III (200 m to 500 m from the High Tide Line), where no development will occur; this area will remain a no-development zone for green belt development. The remaining 1,23,687 square metres is outside the CRZ.

Key recommendations

The TNSCZMA’s approval includes several key recommendations. The proposed 250 KLD sewage treatment plant (STP) should be resized to align with the actual water demand, as the original design was seen as too large. The wastewater management plan must also be revised to meet environmental standards.

The Authority, in its 131st meeting held on January 7, 2025, stressed the need for effective waste management, including segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste on-site, and prohibiting the disposal of waste into the sea. It also suggested reducing single-use plastics and partnering with a private entity for waste segregation.

In terms of energy, the TNSCZMA recommended installing solar panels on 50% of the roof, with excess power fed into the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board grid. The project should also explore renewable energy sources and use energy-efficient materials, smart lighting, and natural ventilation.

To prevent water stagnation, the building’s plinth height should align with the High Tide Line, and access to the beach must remain unobstructed. The proponent should also enhance rainwater harvesting and submit a detailed water conservation plan.

The proponent has pledged ₹5 crore for health initiatives in nearby villages. Further approvals from the Directorate of Town and Country Planning and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board are required before construction begins, along with quarterly environmental reports during the project’s lifecycle.

The TNSCZMA has recommended the project proposal to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, which will issue the final clearance for the project.