Disaster Management
Disaster Management is official guidance issued by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority for reducing disaster risks in the Chennai Metropolitan Area. It identifies areas exposed to earthquakes, cyclones, floods and tsunamis, explains the State disaster management policy, and recommends stronger building rules, preparedness plans, community participation and monitoring. Property development in susceptible low-lying areas requires compliance with applicable standards and clearance from the Public Works Department on measures to prevent inundation.
What the guidance covers
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority guidance titled Disaster Management addresses the risks that natural hazards pose to life, buildings and property in the Chennai Metropolitan Area. It focuses on preparedness, prevention and mitigation, while recognising the need for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction after a disaster.
Hazard-prone areas
The guidance identifies the following conditions:
- The whole Chennai Metropolitan Area falls within Seismic Zone III.
- Cyclone-prone areas extend up to 20 kilometres from the coast. Risks include cyclonic winds, seawater flooding from high waves and flooding caused by heavy storms.
- Some locations beside rivers and canals, and some low-lying areas, are susceptible to flooding or inundation during heavy storms.
- Tsunami-affected coastal areas from December 2004 need to be mapped and may need to be zoned as tsunami-prone areas. The guidance states that these locations fall within the Coastal Regulation Zone extending 500 metres from the High Tide Line along the coast.
Effect on property and construction
Development in susceptible low-lying areas is allowed only when the proposal conforms to standards and receives clearance from the Public Works Department regarding measures needed to keep the site free from inundation.
Existing development controls regulate matters including location, height, number of floors, building size, setbacks and land or building use. Local body building rules also address foundations, structural components, loads, wind pressure, construction materials, inspections and structural safety. The guidance calls for special rules for hazard-prone areas to be added to local body building rules and effectively enforced.
Preparedness and community measures
The State disaster management policy prioritises:
- Integrating disaster management with development planning.
- Preparing plans at every level based on local conditions.
- Reducing community vulnerability.
- Training government functionaries and elected local body representatives.
- Creating ward or village volunteer forces and disaster management teams.
- Training teams in warning, rescue, first aid, shelter, food, water, sanitation and damage assessment.
- Addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, people with HIV AIDS and socially marginalised groups.
- Conducting mock drills and periodically reviewing preparedness plans.
The guidance also proposes a monitoring committee chaired by the Mayor of Chennai Corporation, with local bodies, community organisations, non-governmental organisations and officials represented.
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
Is the whole Chennai Metropolitan Area considered earthquake-prone?
The guidance states that the whole Chennai Metropolitan Area falls within Seismic Zone III.
Can I develop land in a low-lying area that is susceptible to flooding?
Development is allowed only if the proposal conforms to standards and obtains Public Works Department clearance on measures to keep the area free from inundation.
How far inland does the cyclone-prone area extend?
The cyclone-prone area extends up to 20 kilometres from the coast within the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
Does the guidance require special building provisions for hazard-prone areas?
It calls for early amendment of local body building rules to include special provisions for hazard-prone areas and for those provisions to be enforced.
