CHENNAI: The concept of planned development has so far been limited only to cities and its extended areas. But perhaps
Sources privy to the matter say the ‘regional plan’ would be similar to the master plans that cities like Chennai and Coimbatore have. But the new plan, since it covers much of the State, would aim for preservation of agricultural lands and natural habitats. The main objective of the plan is to prepare a roadmap for balanced growth across the State, with 2050 as the horizon year.
It is learnt that the Directorate of Town and Country Planning has estimated the cost of preparing the regional plan at around `50 crore and a consultant would be engaged for the purpose. Sources told Express that such a regional plan covering entire State is required for sustainable urban growth.
Since urban planning is presently done only for cities and its extended areas, hardly five percent of the State’s landscape comes under planned growth. The developments in rest of the areas are mostly haphazard. Out of the 1.28 lakh square metres of area coming under Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), only 0.07 lakh square metres presently have some sort of a master plan.
The new ‘regional plan’ will map various factors like agro-climatic zones, eco-sensitive zones, groundwater, green and forest cover, biodiversity and pollution levels of water, soil, land and air. To prepare the plan, a consultant with regional planning expertise using Geographic Information System could be engaged.
Sources said tenders to select the consultant would be awarded after constituting a Tender Accepting Authority, which will include Commissioner of Town and Country Planning, a representative from the housing and finance departments and chief planner of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.
The move of the State government comes in the back drop of the Union government asking Tamil Nadu to prepare a master plan for 32 cities in Tamil Nadu, which have been selected under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).
As per norms, the State has to create GIS-based master plan for all AMRUT cities. The 32 will be part of 500 cities, for which the Centre plans to fund a 10-year development programme.