Review of the First Master Plan
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority issued the Review of the First Master Plan to assess how the plan for the Chennai Metropolitan Area worked and to draw lessons for preparing the Second Master Plan. It reviews population growth, land use, housing, transport, infrastructure and development control, but does not announce a new land classification or development rule.
What the review covers
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority prepared the Review of the First Master Plan as part of the preparation of the Second Master Plan. The First Master Plan was notified in the Government Gazette on 5 August 1975 for objections and suggestions and was approved in 1976. It projected a Chennai Metropolitan Area population of 7.1 million by 2001, including 4 million in Chennai City.
The review examines whether the First Master Plan achieved its objectives. Its subjects include satellite towns, urban nodes, industries, roads, railways, housing, water supply, sewerage, education, health, recreation, land use zoning and development regulation.
Findings relevant to land and property
The Review of the First Master Plan records the following findings:
- Development generally followed the Master Plan, with some commercial and institutional uses appearing in residential or agricultural areas.
- Unapproved layouts were developed in agricultural areas.
- The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority periodically reviewed land use zoning. Where many requests were received in an area, comprehensive reclassifications were undertaken for residential or industrial activities.
- Detailed Development Plans were prepared for 56 planning units covering about 60 per cent of Chennai City. The remaining area was not covered for reasons including unavailable subdivision level land data and continuing Revenue Department resurveys.
- Development Regulations helped regulate development in the Chennai Metropolitan Area, but unauthorised and deviated buildings continued because of legal loopholes and poor enforcement.
- Regularisation Schemes announced between 1999 and 2002 did not produce the desired results.
Planning and infrastructure outcomes
The Review of the First Master Plan reports that the Inner Ring Road was completed and the Intermediate Ring Road was formed except between National Highway 4 and National Highway 5. The Outer Ring Road was delayed by land acquisition. Wholesale flower, fruit and vegetable markets and bus terminal activities were shifted to Koyambedu, while some other proposed terminals were not completed.
Public agencies developed substantial housing, and the 2001 Census showed no significant gap between households and housing units. Water supply remained below the planned 227 litres per capita per day, and available sewage treatment capacity was below the First Master Plan estimate.
Who should use it
The Review of the First Master Plan is useful to buyers, owners and professionals seeking historical context on Chennai Metropolitan Area planning. It identifies zoning variations, unapproved layouts, incomplete detailed planning and enforcement problems, but it does not confirm the current classification or approval status of any individual property.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does the Review of the First Master Plan change my property's land use?
No land use change for an individual property is announced in the review. It records that the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority periodically carried out comprehensive reclassifications when many requests arose in a particular area.
Does the review say that all development followed the Master Plan?
No. It says development generally followed the Master Plan, but notes commercial and institutional activities in residential or agricultural areas and unapproved layouts in agricultural areas.
Were Detailed Development Plans prepared for all of Chennai City?
No. Detailed Development Plans were prepared for 56 planning units covering about 60 per cent of Chennai City, while the remaining area was not covered for reasons including unavailable detailed land data and ongoing Revenue Department resurveys.
Did the regularisation schemes resolve unauthorised development?
The review says the Regularisation Schemes announced between 1999 and 2002 did not yield the desired results. It also records continuing unauthorised and deviated development linked to legal loopholes and poor enforcement.
