Official guidance, Tamil Nadu land law
G.O. (Ms.) No. 22, Building Permission in Ancient Towns, 1997
The Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration and Water Supply (Finance.1) Department issued Government Order (Ms.) No. 22 on 30 January 1997, cancelling Government Order (Ms.) Nos. 163, 191, 233 and 234. It limits buildings within one kilometre of an ancient temple compound wall in 38 listed towns to nine metres in height and allows the relevant local bodies to grant building permission based on that restriction.
What the government changed
Government Order (Ms.) No. 22, issued by the Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration and Water Supply (Finance.1) Department on 30 January 1997, cancels four earlier orders: Government Order (Ms.) No. 163 dated 6 July 1993, No. 191 dated 18 July 1994, and Nos. 233 and 234 dated 27 November 1995.
The government considered that requiring applications for buildings in ancient towns to be sent for government approval caused practical difficulties, delays and problems for the public. The new arrangement places the permission function with the relevant local body, subject to a height restriction.
Height restriction and building approval
Government Order (Ms.) No. 22 applies the following requirements in the 38 listed ancient towns:
- A building constructed within a one kilometre radius of an ancient temple compound wall must not exceed nine metres in height.
- The nine metre limit covers buildings comprising a ground floor and first floor.
- The relevant local body may grant building permission based on this height restriction.
The document does not set out other development controls or approval requirements.
Places covered
Government Order (Ms.) No. 22 lists these 38 towns:
- Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Rameswaram, Srirangam, Srivilliputhur and Mamallapuram.
- Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Poompuhar, Madurai and Palani.
- Tiruchendur, Tiruttani, Kanniyakumari, Tiruvannamalai, Gingee and Chettinadu.
- Valinokkam, Tharangambadi, Nagore, Velankanni, Courtallam and Sriperumbudur.
- Tirunelveli, Tiruchengode, Karaikudi, Perur, Bhavani and Pichavaram.
- Maruthur, Kurinjipadi, Thirumayam, Sittannavasal, Avudaiyarkoil, Padmanabhapuram, Colachel and Marakkanam.
Who may be affected
Government Order (Ms.) No. 22 is relevant to owners, builders and applicants proposing construction within one kilometre of an ancient temple compound wall in any listed town. It is also relevant to the local bodies responsible for issuing building permission in those areas.
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
Can the local body approve my building near an ancient temple?
Yes. In the 38 listed towns, the relevant local body may grant permission based on the prescribed height restriction.
What is the maximum permitted building height within one kilometre of the temple compound wall?
The building must not exceed nine metres in height. The document refers to buildings comprising a ground floor and first floor.
Does the restriction apply throughout every listed town?
The stated restriction applies within a one kilometre radius of the ancient temple compound wall in each listed town.
Were the earlier government orders kept in force?
No. Government Order (Ms.) No. 22 dated 30 January 1997 cancels Government Order (Ms.) Nos. 163, 191, 233 and 234.
