The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is undertaking a significant five-fold expansion, encompassing areas like Gummidipoondi and Kancheepuram. The CMDA aims to develop self-sustaining neighbourhoods, floating tenders for a comprehensive 'Sustainable Economic Growth Strategic Plan in Chennai Metropolitan Area.' The 24-week study will identify locations for industries, recreational spaces, and transit corridors, with a focus on decongesting the core city. Satellite towns are in the pipeline, addressing concerns like relocating the automobile hub in Pudupet. Experts stress eco-friendly urbanization, flood-resilient structures, and efficient spatial planning for balanced growth, acknowledging the potential for increased job opportunities.
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is steering an ambitious five-fold expansion, encompassing suburban areas like Gummidipoondi, Arakkonam, Thiruthani, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Mamallapuram, elevating the CMA limits from 1189 to 5904 square kilometres. In a bid to foster holistic neighbourhoods, CMDA has initiated tenders for a 'Sustainable Economic Growth Strategic Plan in Chennai Metropolitan Area.' This comprehensive 24-week study, conducted by experts in economy, urban planning, and data analysis, aims to identify potential locations for industries such as automobile, ITEs, real estate, power, and electronics.
The study goes beyond economic facets, delving into improved living conditions covering health, education, lifestyle, infrastructure, jobs, connectivity, and investments. CMDA envisions creating self-sustaining localities and has six satellite towns in the pipeline, aiming to fortify these expanded CMA areas. Economic planning emerges as pivotal in urban planning, and CMDA Secretary Anshul Mishra highlights a focus on transit-oriented corridors and decongesting core city areas. Notable proposals involve relocating the automobile hub in Pudupet and expanding electronics hubs like Ritchie Street to outer areas.
Association of Professional Town Planners (APTP) President K M Sadanand emphasizes the core city's decongestion, proposing private developer investments in added localities for recreational activities, malls, sports, and leisure. He underscores the need for expansive sports stadiums and multi-purpose grounds lacking within the city. State Planning Commissioner Member Dr. N Ezhilan stresses eco-friendly urbanization, advocating for green spaces, broad pedestrian walkways, and flood-resilient structures. He calls for thorough environmental impact assessments to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Professor and Director of Madras School of Economics, KR Shanmugam, acknowledges Tamil Nadu's above-average growth but cautions on managing urban expansion effectively. While anticipating increased job opportunities in expanded areas, he draws attention to past experiences where added areas in Chennai lacked basic infrastructure.
In summary, CMDA's strategic plan unfolds with a comprehensive approach encompassing economic, infrastructural, and environmental facets. The study not only addresses potential industries but also seeks to enhance overall living conditions, connectivity, and recreational amenities. The emphasis on decongestion, transit-oriented corridors, and eco-friendly urbanization aligns with the vision for sustainable and balanced growth in the expanded Chennai Metropolitan Area.
This story was earlier published in ET Realty
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