CMDA releases 2nd master plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area

Chennai, Sep 2 (UNI) The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) today released the much-awaited Second Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) that envisaged easing regulations for Multi Storeyed Buildings (MSBs).

Releasing the plan, cleared by the Tamil Nadu Cabinet two days ago, Information Minister Parithi Ilamvazhuthi said the master plan was prepared with 2026 as the horizon year.

Apart from relaxing some regulations on MSBs, the plan also removed height restrictions for MSBs abutting 100 feet and above wide roads and permit them in the entire CMA excluding Island Grounds, approved layout areas, aquifer recharge area and Red Hills catchment area.

Major revisions included redefining special buildings as ones exceeding six dwelling units. It also permits working women hostels and old-age homes in primary residential areas.

The master plan also made it mandatory for private builders to reserve land for housing needs of economically weaker sections.

''When housing complex and apartment blocks are developed by the private sector on lands exceeding one hectare, 10 per cent of the land should be reserved and developed for housing for Lower Income Groups (LIGs) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS),'' it said.

The dwelling units developed for them should not exceed 45 sqm and should be either within the site proposed or in a location within radius of two km from the site.

The plan also provides Additional Floor Space Index (FSI) 0.25 per cent to private promoters for LIG/EWS housing, besides suggesting houses in proximity to employment centre to minimise fuel consumption.

The major schemes to address transportation needs included Metro Rail Project, Elevated Expressways along city waterways, network of freight corridors and bus priority corridors, construction of flyovers and pedestrian facilities.

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