Chennai Metropolitan Area - Master Plan Prepared By CMDA

Master Plan Prepared By CMDA

The CMDA regulates developments in the 1,189 sq km of Chennai metropolitan area through issuance of planning permission under section 49 of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act 1971.

The State government will decide on the expansion of the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) before the end of this fiscal, R Vaithilingam, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, told the Assembly on Aug 25, 2011. In view of the fast-paced development taking place in areas beyond the present metropolitan area jurisdiction, like Sriperumbudur, Kelambakkam, Tiruvallur and Maraimalai Nagar, it had become necessary to review the Chennai Metropolitan Planning Area that was notified in 1973-74, he said.

The present CMA was limited to 1,189 km2 which was the smallest in extent in the country. “In other cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata, larger regions have been declared as metropolitan area and comprehensive regional planning is being made.” The need for a larger planning area around Chennai was being examined and a detailed report was prepared by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) for the government’s consideration.

“A decision will be taken before the end of this fiscal,” he informed. “Alongside the proposed expansion of the Corporation limits, the decision to go in for a greater CMA limit would have a synergetic effect. It would support better infrastructure and facilities for the people besides decongesting the city.”

In the face of rapid increase in population in the districts surrounding Chennai and the expansion of the city, a new regional planning model on the lines of National Capital Region, Delhi, is being examined by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). In order to plan for balanced regional development, developing a larger road network, implementing an integrated transport plan and identifying a Chennai Mega Region have become necessary.