Work on the Glowing Park project in Mamallapuram has been halted following a directive from the Archaeology Department. Mamallapuram is home to ancient Pallava-era sculptures, which are safeguarded by the Central Archaeology Department. The department has imposed a restriction on construction activities within a 100-meter radius of the archaeological site.
The project site, which spans 2.47 acres near the Archaeology Department office, was being developed by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation with private investment worth five crore rupees. The plan included digging deep trenches, which raised concerns as such actions could potentially disturb ancient sculptures and artifacts.
However, the Tourism Department proceeded with the project without obtaining the necessary approval from the Archaeology Department. Excavation work was ongoing in violation of archaeological guidelines, prompting the Archaeology Department to intervene and halt the activities.
On December 11, a legislative committee visited the site for an inspection. The committee’s chairman, Velmurugan, raised concerns about whether the project had received the required archaeological clearance. The Tourism Department admitted that it was seeking permission from the Archaeology Department but had not received the necessary approval yet.
The Archaeology Department officials stated, "Construction activities are taking place in a restricted area without any approval from our department. No application has been submitted for clearance. Therefore, we have ordered the cessation of work on the project."
As a result, the work on the Glowing Park project has been stopped, and further action will depend on compliance with the necessary archaeological regulations.
