MASTER PLAN

The Government of Tamil Nadu has constituted Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) in 1974 statutorily under the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971.  Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) extends over 1189 sq.km.and comprises of Chennai Corporation, 16 Municipalities, 20 Town Panchayats and 214 villages covered in 10 Panchayats Unions  

One of the main functions of CMDA is to prepare Master Plan for the Chennai Metropolitan Planning area with contents as provided in the Act.  The Master Plan for CMA was prepared by CMDA was consented by the Government in G.O.Ms No.1313 RD &LA Dept. dated 1.8.1975.  It was notified in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette on 5.8.1975 and it is in force since then.  Following the provisions of the Master Plan (Preparation, Publication and Sanction) Rules, it was notified for public consultation; suggestions received were examined and submitted to Government.  Sanction for the Master Plan was accorded by the Government in G.O.Ms No.2395, RD & LA department dated 4.12.1976.

Development Control Rules form part of the Master Plan. Taking into account, the changed circumstances over the period , the Development Control Rules were reviewed comprehensively on  a number of occasions  and the Rules were modified.  Land use classifications were also revised comprehensively taking into account of the requirements for different activities and potentials for developments over the years; for example,  reclassification for industrial use along Old Mahabalipuram Road and Poonamallee Bye Pass Road, residential use zoning along Madanandapuram and Mugalivakkam areas, Minjur and Athipattu areas, etc.  Based on individual requests for reclassifications, the Authority considers re-zoning of land uses under Section 32 (4) of the Act on its merits