Madras Metropolitan Plan, 1971-1991, Setting up Madras Metropolitan Development Authority, Orders Issued
The Rural Development and Local Administration Department, through Government Order No. 2380, dated 13 November 1972, constituted the Madras Metropolitan Development Authority with immediate effect to plan, coordinate and implement development in the Madras Metropolitan Area. The authority was established as an ad hoc body because the Town and Country Planning Bill, 1971 was still awaiting the President's assent, with statutory status intended later.
Purpose of the government order
Government Order No. 2380 of the Rural Development and Local Administration Department, dated 13 November 1972, created the Madras Metropolitan Development Authority. The Government considered a coordinating authority necessary because several agencies were carrying out development work without adequate coordination or a common metropolitan plan.
The authority was intended to support the Madras Metropolitan Plan 1971-1991. That plan anticipated requirements for housing, water supply, drainage, roads, schools and other facilities, and proposed self-contained urban nodes and satellite towns along major transport corridors from the city.
Legal and administrative status
The Madras Metropolitan Development Authority was constituted with immediate effect as an ad hoc authority. The Government stated that the Town and Country Planning Bill, 1971, which could provide a statutory basis, was still awaiting the President's assent. Statutory status was therefore intended to be provided later.
Main functions
The functions assigned to the Madras Metropolitan Development Authority included:
- Preparing, enforcing and implementing development plans for all or part of its jurisdiction.
- Formulating other plans or projects for the Madras Metropolitan Area, subject to Government approval.
- Coordinating the execution of development plans approved by the State Government.
- Supervising development projects entrusted to it by the Government.
- Financing and executing projects included in plans for the metropolitan area.
- Performing other functions that may be prescribed.
These functions matter to property owners, buyers, developers and professionals because development plans prepared and enforced by the authority could guide how areas within the Madras Metropolitan Area were developed.
Membership and supporting bodies
The Minister in charge of Town and Country Planning was designated Chairman, and the Minister in charge of Local Administration was designated Vice-Chairman. Membership also included government secretaries, planning and local authority officials, housing, slum clearance and water supply bodies, government appointees and a full-time Member-Secretary.
An Advisory Council was also constituted to advise on the formulation and coordination of metropolitan development plans. Its membership drew from infrastructure agencies, education and health departments, the police, Central Government, local bodies, commerce, industry, engineering, economics, architecture and town planning.
A planning cell with a Senior Town Planner, an Engineer and supporting staff was directed to initiate specific metropolitan plans and projects.
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Common questions
Why was the Madras Metropolitan Development Authority created?
It was created to coordinate agencies and secure orderly development under the Madras Metropolitan Plan 1971-1991. The Government found that no single administrative body then existed to coordinate metropolitan planning and implementation.
Was the Madras Metropolitan Development Authority created as a statutory authority?
No. Government Order No. 2380 constituted it as an ad hoc authority because the Town and Country Planning Bill, 1971 was still awaiting the President's assent. The Government intended to provide a statutory basis later.
Could the authority prepare and enforce development plans?
Yes. Its listed functions included preparing, enforcing and implementing development plans for all or part of the area under its jurisdiction.
Did the government order create a separate planning team?
Yes. It directed the creation of a planning cell under the authority, with a Senior Town Planner, an Engineer and adequate supporting staff.
