The expansion of the Chennai Metropolitan Area would facilitate changes in planning parameters, land use and rules relating to urban development, said officials.
According to sources in the Housing and Urban Development Department, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority will prepare the strategic regional plan for the Chennai Mega Region. But the existing local planning authorities in areas such as Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Mamallapuram will continue to play a role in urban development.
"We will change the planning parameters such as Floor Space Index. Land use will change," said an official.
Study completed
Officials said the feasibility study has been completed. But the strategic regional plan is yet to be prepared. The strategic regional plan will cover a vast area encompassing urban areas and rural settlements.
Once the strategic regional plan is prepared, locations for development of new towns and satellite towns would also be identified, said officials.
“Earlier, in the first master plan for Chennai, three new towns and three satellite towns were proposed. But only Maraimalai Nagar was developed as satellite town and Manali was developed as a new town," said S. Santhanam, former member-chief urban planner at the CMDA.
Tiruvallur, Arakkonam and Kancheepuram lie on the western corridor of Chennai and form a ring, well connected by road and rail. Development of such areas will act as buffer before entry into Chennai. “The western parts of the city may also witness urban development,” said Mr. Santhanam.
CMDA officials said the planning agency will also study the migration and growth pattern in the area. Urban planning experts said the decision is expected to lead to appreciation of land value and access to economic activities.
