CMDA had earlier selected three locations for the `160 crore project.
The first one was in Ernavoor. It was shelved as the land was being
considered for developing a housing project for flood-affected families
by the State housing board.

The second site was within  Sathangadu
Iron and Steel Market, which was opposed by traders. Later,  planners
advocated 66 acres of marsh land opposite the Sathangadu Iron and Steel
Market, which was considered as a water course.

The third site now requires clearance from Public Works Department
(PWD). The Tiruvallur Collector in the report has said that the opinion
of PWD should be obtained after which the iron bridge on the site and
waterway should be strengthened and widened to ensure free flow of water
or else there is a threat of back water inundating the low-lying areas
of Sathangadu.

Now, CMDA is eyeing the possibility of having it at
Sadayankuppan in Tiruvallur district. Classified as ‘meikal poromboke’
(grassland), the 56.85 acres land has only 17 acres that is vacant. CMDA
wants to club three acres to make it 20 acres for the project, sources
said. The land is on Tiruottriyur-Ponneri Pancheti Road and has to be
alienated in favour of CMDA. It is learnt that CMDA has requested the
Collector for acquisition of the land.