Second Master Plan - Public Consultation

What the proceedings cover

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority proceedings record the first public consultation on Draft Master Plan-II, held at Presidency Girls Higher Secondary School, Egmore, Chennai, on 28 April 2007. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority explained that the plan was still a draft and would be finalised only after public consultation and examination of objections and suggestions.

A Tamil presentation described the main features of Draft Master Plan-II. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority also said that a brief Tamil version would be prepared, followed by publication of the full Tamil version.

Who may be affected

Draft Master Plan-II concerns development within the Chennai Metropolitan Area. Its proposals and consultation responses may be relevant to property owners, buyers, developers, residents of slums, owners of heritage buildings and people dealing with land near water bodies, coastal zones, aquifer recharge areas, reserved forests, hillocks or swamps.

The proceedings themselves record suggestions and responses. They do not state that every suggestion was accepted or that the draft had become final.

Key planning points

• Development Control Rules were treated as part of the Master Plan because land use zoning and development controls were described as major tools for implementing it and regulating development.
• A higher floor space index of 2.00 was proposed for trial along the short Mass Rapid Transit System stretch from Luz to Velachery, based on a densification study.
• Water bodies shown in revenue records were specifically zoned as water bodies so that they could not be put to another use.
• Reserved forests, hillocks and swamps were also specifically zoned for their existing uses to support conservation.
• Special rules for regulating heritage buildings were included in the draft, together with a proposed repair fund to provide financial assistance to owners.
• The Government had lifted the ban on development in aquifer recharge areas and directed the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to prepare special guidelines. The response said preservation of recharge potential would be considered while drafting them.
• Development in coastal zones was stated to be governed by Coastal Zone Regulations notified by the Government of India.
• The draft identified the Tamil Nadu Housing Board and Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board as agencies that should concentrate on affordable housing for lower income and economically weaker groups.
• Suggestions concerning biomedical waste sites, hazardous waste locations, cable cars, land banks and transferable development rights were noted for examination or consultation with the relevant agencies.