Deccan Chronicle 24.09.2009

City limits set to grow

Chennai, Sept. 23: Chief minister M. Karunanidhi and deputy CM M.K. Stalin on Wednesday discussed the feasibility of setting up a greater Chennai corporation. During the meeting, presentations on the proposed Tambaram and Avadi corporations were also discussed.

According to sources, the government was keen on expanding the Chennai corporation limit from 176 to 760 sq kms. Corporation of greater Chennai is likely to be created by linking a few suburban municipalities like Manali, Kathivakkam, Sholinganallur, Alandur and Tiruvottiyur.

The proposal is pending before the CM and an announcement would be made in a few days. Presentations on setting up a new Tambaram and Avadi corporation were also discussed, a senior official who attended the meeting told Deccan Chronicle.

The setting up or expansion of corporations would become feasible only after the local bodies elections, in 2011. Municipal administration and water supply department secretary Niranjan Mardi and Chennai corporation commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni participated.