Chapter X, Disaster Management
Chapter X, Disaster Management is official guidance for disaster preparedness and development planning in the Chennai Metropolitan Area, although the supplied text does not identify the issuing department, order number or date. It identifies earthquake, cyclone, flood and tsunami risks, calls for stronger building rules and community preparedness, and requires clearance from the Public Works Department for development in low-lying areas susceptible to inundation.
What the guidance covers
Chapter X, Disaster Management aims to reduce loss of life, property damage and social costs from natural hazards in the Chennai Metropolitan Area. It treats disaster prevention, preparedness and mitigation as part of development planning rather than relying only on relief and reconstruction after an event.
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 high winds, storm conditions, seawater flooding from high waves and flooding caused by heavy storms.
- Some land along rivers and canals, and in low-lying areas, is susceptible to flooding or inundation during heavy storms.
- Local flood mapping should consider proximity to rivers, canals and lakes, as well as contour levels and low-lying land.
- Areas directly hit and flooded by the December 2004 tsunami should be mapped and may need to be zoned as tsunami-prone areas. The text states that this coastal area falls within the CRZ area, 500 metres from HTL.
Effect on development and buildings
Development in identified low-lying areas is allowed only when the proposal meets applicable standards and receives clearance from the Public Works Department on measures needed to protect it from inundation.
Development Control Rules regulate matters including location, height, floor count, building size, setbacks and land or building use. Local body building rules also address foundations, plinths, walls, floors, structural loads, wind pressure, framed structures and construction materials.
The guidance calls for:
- Special building rules for hazard-prone areas.
- Effective enforcement of structural safety requirements.
- Periodic review and updating of pre-disaster plans.
- Awareness, training, capacity building and response planning for earthquakes, cyclones, landslides, floods and tsunamis.
Community planning and oversight
The guidance proposes ward or village volunteer forces and local disaster management teams trained in warning, rescue, first aid, shelter, food, water, sanitation and damage assessment. Planning should involve the public and address persons with disabilities, people with HIV AIDS and other socially marginalised groups.
A committee chaired by the Mayor of Chennai Corporation may be formed to monitor preparedness and mitigation plans, with participation from local bodies, community organisations, non-governmental organisations and officials.
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?
Yes. The guidance states that the whole Chennai Metropolitan Area falls within Seismic Zone III.
Can I develop land in a low-lying area that may flood?
Development is allowed only if the proposal meets the required standards and receives clearance from the Public Works Department on measures to make the site free from inundation.
How far inland does the identified cyclone-prone area extend?
The guidance states that cyclone-prone areas in the Chennai Metropolitan Area extend up to 20 kilometres from the coast.
Does the guidance create special building rules 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 effectively enforced.
