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Post 2nd Master Plan, no DDP for urban areas yet

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The New Indian Express                        19.03.2013

Post 2nd Master Plan, no DDP for urban areas yet

More than four years after the Second Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) came into force, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is yet to complete the detailed development plans (DDP) for five peri-urban areas.

The delay in preparation of detailed development plans for Villivakkam, Velachery, Ambattur, Nazarethpet and Perumbakam, with the objective of providing land use as well as improvement of infrastructure in these areas, has been a cause of concern.

This also comes in the wake of the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), which is functioning with only 42 per cent of staff, preparing 47 DDPs within two years.

Sources told Express that the DDP for Villivakkam was nearing completion. The ownership details and maps of the blocks had been computerised, besides the existing land use map prepared and infrastructure facilities documented. “The DDP is likely to be notified and forwarded to the government soon,” sources added.

Interestingly, the CMDA seems to have dropped the idea of preparing DDP for Ambattur as it feels the area is already developed. Through DDP, only the existing activities will be recognised and regulated.

Meanwhile, preparation of the detailed plan for Velachery and Nazarathpet is under progress, while the DDP for Perumbakam is yet to begin.

Sources said the Second Master Plan for CMA came into effect on September 2, 2008.

The delay is also being attributed to excess staff in units, which are alleged to be more ‘plum units’ monetarily. In the area plans unit, the CMDA has two chief planners, including one who has been diverted from another unit, besides an additional deputy planner against the prescribed strength sanctioned by the authority.