The Hindu 16.04.2010
The Nilgiris needs regional planning authority
D.Radhakrishnan
Udhagamandalam: Following recent developments on the constructions front and the Union Minister for Information Technology and Communications A.Raja who represents the Nilgiris Parliamentary constituency declaring that a vigil will be kept over building activities an opinion gathering ground among citizens is that it is high time a Regional Planning Authority is put in place in this hill station.
Speaking to The Hindu, many opined that the presence of such an authority will go a long way in providing a lasting solution to the problems relating to development and conservation.
Enquiries made in the municipality revealed that as early as 1983 the Housing and Urban Development Department had issued orders declaring the Nilgiris District as a Regional Planning Area under Section 10 (5) of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act.
It was followed up by the constitution of a Regional Planning Authority in 1994. However, ever since its constitution it has not functioned.
Officials here recalled that during his recent visit to the Nilgiris Deputy Chief Minister M.K.Stalin had also declared that the possibility of forming a separate authority for the development of the Nilgiris would be explored.
