G.O. (Ms.) No. 68, Amendments to the Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Planning Area Rules, 2022
The Housing and Urban Development [UD-1] Department issued Government Order G.O. (Ms.) No. 68, dated 26 April 2022, amending the Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Planning Area (Preparation, Publication and Approval) Rules, 1974. The amendments require digitally georeferenced land use maps, add planning subjects such as transit oriented development, road grids, land pooling, climate resilience and heritage conservation, and expand publication and agency consultation requirements.
What the amendments govern
Government Order G.O. (Ms.) No. 68, dated 26 April 2022, issued by the Housing and Urban Development [UD-1] Department, changes how the Master Plan for the Chennai Metropolitan Planning Area may be prepared, modified, published and coordinated with government bodies. The appended notification was ordered to be published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette, Extraordinary, dated 26 April 2022.
The amendments were made under the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 and modify the Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Planning Area (Preparation, Publication and Approval) Rules, 1974.
Mapping and land use requirements
The amended rules require the Master Plan map to be prepared on a Geographical Information System platform or another digital platform with geo-referencing. The land use categories covered include:
- Open space and recreation.
- Agriculture.
- Non urban uses.
- Undeveloped areas, water bodies, waste lands and rocky lands.
A present land and building use map must be prepared before every revocation or modification of the Master Plan.
Subjects that may be included in the Master Plan
The amended Master Plan rules allow planning for:
- Compatible transit oriented development along major transport corridors, including pedestrian and cycling features.
- A Grid of Roads Plan to improve accessibility.
- Land Pooling Area Development Schemes with special development regulations.
- Redevelopment of old areas and form based codes for specific areas.
- Drainage, flood inundation and climate hazard mapping, disaster risk management and protection of eco-sensitive areas.
- Blue-green infrastructure, energy-efficient development, pollution prevention and reclamation of polluted land.
- Tourism, waterfront development, water resources and solid waste management.
- Heritage conservation and inclusive access to housing, transport, economic opportunities and community facilities.
- Integrated land use and infrastructure planning across sectors including economic development, public health, safety, energy and education.
Publication and agency involvement
The amended rules add autonomous bodies to the departments involved under rule 8. The replacement Annexure lists public authorities dealing with agriculture, archaeology, police, highways, water, land administration, registration, pollution control, municipal administration, education and other sectors.
Material covered by rule 15 must be published in one or more leading English and Tamil daily newspapers circulating in the local area and on the official website of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.
Relevance to property interests
Owners, buyers and property professionals dealing with land in the Chennai Metropolitan Planning Area may encounter master plans prepared or modified using the new mapping requirements and expanded planning subjects. The notification itself amends the planning process and does not state a fee or rate for property owners.
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 notification change how land use maps are prepared for Chennai?
Yes. Master Plan maps must be prepared on a Geographical Information System platform or another digital platform with geo-referencing.
Is a current land use map required before the Chennai Master Plan is changed?
Yes. A present land and building use map must be prepared before every revocation or modification of the Master Plan.
Can the Chennai Master Plan include land pooling and transit oriented development?
Yes. The amendments allow the Master Plan to provide for Land Pooling Area Development Schemes and compatible transit oriented development along major transport corridors.
Where must material under the amended publication rule be made available?
It must be published in one or more leading English and Tamil daily newspapers circulating in the local area and on the official website of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.
