The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has classified all the areas in its jurisdiction into any of the following land use categories:
1. Primary residential use zone
2. Mixed residential use zone
3. Commercial use zone
4. Industrial use zone
5. Special and hazardous industrial use zone
6. Institutional use zone
7. Open space and recreational use zone
8. Urbanisable use zone
9. Non-urban use zone
10. Agricultural use zone
Development prohibited areas
Developments of any kind are prohibited in the following areas within the jurisdiction of CMDA or CMA:
Area around the Indian Air Force station
Lands to a depth of 100m around the boundary of the Indian Air Force station near Tambaram have been zoned as areas prohibited for development as per a Government of India notification.
Pallikaranai swamp area
Te contiguous swamp area in Pallikaranai has been declared as a swamp area, prohibiting development therein.
Aquifer recharge area
Areas that have good aquifers and recharge potential have been declared as aquifer recharge areas that serve as one of the major sources for the city’s water supply. Villages in these recharge areas are Kottivakkam, Palavakkam, Neelankarai, Okkiam Thoraipakkam, Injambakkam, Karapakkam, Sholinganallur, and Uthandi.
Coastal regulatory zones
Parts of the Restricted Development Zone area to a depth of 500m from the high tide line of the sea, and 100m from the Buckingham Canal, lie in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) as per the Coastal Zone Management Plan.
Developments therein are subject to the regulations notified by the Government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the amendments made from time to time.
Catchment area at Red Hills
The lake at Red Hills is the main source of water supply to Chennai. In order to protect it from the negative impacts of urbanisation of the surrounding areas, it has been declared as a catchment area where development is restricted. Over 27 revenue villages come under the ‘Red Hills Catchment Area’. Developments to a certain extent, however, are allowed subject to satisfying zoning regulations and planning parameters in some areas falling under the catchment area.
Green belt along Poonamallee By-pass and Red Hills By-pass roads
As per National Highway Standards, green belts on either side to a depth of 15m along Poonamallee By-pass Road and Red Hills By-pass Road have been reserved. In this green belt, no development except gate pillars and watchman booths is permissible.
The author is a Chennai-based advocate and an advisor to the Government of Kerala
