The Times of India      26.03.2017 

Open drains, overhead power cables, dark alleys and a handful of staff struggling to solve a multitude of civic complaints
could be a thing of the past for residents of Avadi, Pallavaram and
Tambaram as the government is planning to create three independent
satellite municipal corporations adjoining Chennai, headquartered in
these neighbourhoods.

If the proposal gets through, people in places which are yet to see
basic amenities could have piped water supply, street lights and
motorable roads. For instance, areas falling under the jurisdiction of Avadi Municipality
are covered by underground sewerage system. A municipal corporation
will ensure people living in villages within its ambit access to it.

Formation of new municipal corporations would mean more funds from
various financial institutions in the state government and the Centre.
“Municipal corporations get a better share from the government. Loans
can be availed for infrastructure-related projects,” an official said.
Municipal corporations open the window for a slew of services including
improved sanitation. Like those living within Greater Chennai Corporation,
people in the new corporations may have access to corporation-run
hospitals and schools, online services and upgraded technology to
resolve civic issues.

K P Subramanian, former urban en gineering professor at Anna
University, said corporations will have better technical knowledge for
planning, designing and execution of basic amenities such as water
supply, underground sewerage system, liquid and solid waste management.
“Development will be regulated as constructions cannot be carried out in
violation of building rules.The strength of officers will also increase
for addressing issues related to civic amenities, leading to better
quality of life,” he said. However, he noted people may have to shell
out more towards property tax and water tax.

Real estate may see an upswing in the long term. According to Kanchana
rm. According to Kanchana Krishnan, director, Knight Frank (India) Pvt.
Ltd, real estate price in Chennai in creases gradually and over a
period of time. “Infrastruc ture and connectivity are two major factors
that influence growth of any city .This in turn will result in creation
of new residential pockets. So appreciation of land will happen
gradually in the medium to long term,” she said.

Though residents are enthused about the new proposal, some said
authorities should not delay in providing civic amenities. While
welcoming the move, S Mohanram, a resident of Thirunindravur, said some
areas in Ambattur Municipality
are yet to get underground sewerage system and metro water facilities
even after five years of merging with Greater Chennai Corporation. “Such
glitches should not happen in the proposed new corporations,” he said.