CHENNAI: The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is yet to get a green light from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the proposed new bus terminus for southbound buses at Kilambakkam. It is learnt that during a review of the project held recently, CR Narayana Rao (CRN), the architects and engineers firm engaged as consultants for the project, has highlighted the issue. It has pointed out that the CMDA has to officially take up the issue with appropriate ASI officials to get clarity and information about development regulations and limitations.
It is learnt from sources that ASI is yet to get the application from the CMDA for approval of the bus terminus project. Currently, the ASI has given permission only for small buildings restricted to ground-plus-two-storeys and a maximum height of 10.5 metres. The bus terminus is coming up on 88 acres of land which lies within the protected and prohibited zone of the ASI as it contains ‘Megalithic Burial Sites’. Megalithic sites were the typical mode of disposing of the dead in most parts of Tamil Nadu in the past. Loosely called ‘dolmans’, these are stone-capped burial monuments with chambers and similar interment arrangements in stone.
According to an amendment to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act in January 2010, all construction is banned within 100m of ASI-protected areas and any construction or reconstruction or repair of a building with 200m of such areas requires permission from National Monument Authority. It is learnt that the consultant has provided 10 conceptual master plan options like utilising ASI-notified areas with minimum developments like idle parking in notified site, small development in prohibited areas like bus fingers and major developments in restricted areas like terminal building and bus terminus.
Sources indicated that CRN has requested the CMDA on two occasions to get the approval from ASI to go ahead with the project but officials have shown little interest. The review of the project is also happening as the State government wants the foundation stone for the newly-proposed bus terminus to be laid in the first week of September. The housing minister wanted the detailed project report to be submitted at the earliest. The consultant has prepared a master plan taking into consideration the bus terminus, economic hub and appropriate revenue model.
Factfile
1. CMDA has yet to get approval from ASI for bus terminus project
2. The consultant wants a sanction of master plan from CMDA before planning economic hubs for the bus terminus project
3. It has come out with 10 conceptual master plan options
4. It has also come out with proposed five options for entry and exit to the terminus
5. Proposed bus terminus is to be designed with total access control for all the passengers
According to an amendment to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act in January 2010, all construction is banned within 100m of ASI-protected areas and any construction or reconstruction or repair of a building with 200m of such areas requires permission from National Monument Authority.