After roads and metrorail, the development of waterways in the metropolitan area too will benefit from the use of the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR). Residents who lose land for such projects are set to receive development rights certificates that enable the property owner to claim additional built-up area (floor space index) in lieu of the area surrendered to the government agency.
The Water Resources Department has sought TDR from the CMDA for its project to improve Veerangal Odai, a surplus course in south Chennai. TDR has emerged a ray of hope for improvement of waterways affected by rapid urban development in the metropolitan area. Many pieces of land owned by private agencies near major waterways such as Cooum too have emerged as hurdles to conservation of such waterways.
Development rights certificate can be used by owners to transfer development rights to a buyer or to conserve the value of land lost for an urban development project. So far, twelve provisional development rights certificates have been issued by the CMDA for roads and metrorail projects. If site is already developed, irrespective of whether it is an authorised or unauthorised, the part of the land required for public purpose is eligible for the award of the development rights certificates.
The TDR to widen the Veerangal Odai, the first time it is being issued for the development of a waterway in Chennai, was necessitated for completion of a JNNURM project on time. The waterway carries surplus water from Velachery and Adambakkam lakes and also flood water from neighbouring areas.
After the Highways department had completed land acquisition for the project, it was found that more land was required for the alignment of the canal. At present, flood protection wall along the canal on Pallavaram Thoraipakkam Radial Road has been constructed up to a distance of 7,500 metre.
“We have requested TDR to complete the JNNURM project in the remaining stretch of 650 metre,” said an official. The canal is being improved to a width of 6- 14 metre wherever possible.
As the land acquisition exercise has been already completed, further cost cannot be borne by the department, the official said. The process would further delay the project. So, the 14 land owners in the project area would be given TDR. The department requires 2,000 square metres to complete the project this year.
