PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Monday alleged that expanding the limits of Greater Chennai, including areas in Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, was being done to gain from the increase in value of real estate.
In a statement, Dr. Ramadoss said, “This is a road that would lead to nowhere” considering that the greater Chennai border areas and local bodies are struggling with lack of infrastructure.
“Currently, the area of greater Chennai is 1,189 sq.km. The expansion would further increase it to 8,878 sq.km. By doing this, Chennai would become the second biggest city after New Delhi. While it could be argued that including more areas would result in improving infrastructure, the reality is that the newly added areas will not get any benefit. Also, the waterbodies and ecosystem will be affected,” said Dr. Ramadoss.
He alleged that this is being done for the benefit for those in power and to help them earn profits. “The government must give up this plan. The infrastructure in areas that are presently considered ‘Greater Chennai’ should be improved,” he said.
