Figure 6 CMA Major Waterways & Waterbodies Map

development is taking place on a body of water. In its RTI answer, the town planning authority indicated that the tehsildar's info is not confirmed since they lack the means to do so owing to insufficient maps.

In other terms, if a builder submits a tehsildar certificate stating that no water body exists on the site where they wish to construct, the urban planning office does not double-check the allegation. "Some of the information is with the tehsildar's office, and some is with the state tax department," said architect Tara Murali. "Why can't the tehsildar's information be included into the master plan in this day and age of digitisation?" (Chennai Water Bodies, n.d.).

Figure 6 CMA Major Waterways & Waterbodies Map

3 . 8 S o c i a l F a c i l i t i e s

E d u c a t i o n

Because of family planning and population control efforts used across the nation, particularly in Tamilnadu, there has been a substantial diversity in age structure since 1971, notably among school-aged children.

In the next years, the school-age population is predicted to remain consistent at roughly 7.5 percent for primary school students, 5.19 percent for middle school students, 3.71 percent for high school students, and 3.96 percent for upper secondary students.

Strategies involved:

 The projections established in the Master Plan should be taken into account in the fiveyear and yearly plans; a decision should be made on the role of government and public sector in the establishment of new schools.

 It is necessary to guarantee that schools are distributed spatially in accordance with criteria. It should be pursued to reduce the dropout rate and improve enrolment, particularly among girls.  It is necessary to recruit qualified instructors on a regular basis. Periodic in-service training, particularly in science topics and English, should be prioritised.  Specialized institutions that may be supported by the metropolitan should be examined by a competent body and recommended in and around CMA, taking into account new scientific and technical breakthroughs.  The location of a school of business in Chennai, such as the IIM, should be carefully considered.

 A separate college for car engineering may be established, given the expansion of vehicle manufacturing plants in and around Chennai.

H e a l t h C a r e

Given the predicted rise in life expectancy and better medical condition, the number of beds required in the future is estimated to be one for every 500 people. The number of beds required for the predicted population in 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021, and 2026 is 15,800, 17,700, 19,900, 22,400, and 25,100, respectively.

The present facilities (prior to 2008), particularly the specialised and higher-order ones, serve not just the CMA population, but also the rest of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states; in the private sector, patients come from all across India and numerous other countries.The sufficiency of these amenities would be difficult to assess. Private sector investments in the health sector have increased in recent years due to the availability of solid infrastructure, including specialised labour and technology, and this trend is projected to continue.

3 . 9 D I S A S T E R M A N A G E M E N T

Flooding is a major disaster to worry in Chennai, and the city's rising population, along with the construction of often-poorly planned and maintained man-made buildings, exposes cities to higher levels of danger to life and property in the event of natural catastrophes. One of the primary aims is to reduce the risk of human death and property damage while simultaneously reducing societal expenses. We must acknowledge that in such circumstances of natural catastrophes, we are dealing with phenomena of vast size that are beyond the control of any direct human action. However, we make every effort to minimise the impact on people and property. The following are the hazard-prone places in the Chennai Metropolitan Area:

 Areas at Risk of Earthquakes: The Chennai Metropolitan Area is located under Seismic Zone III. This zone encompasses the whole Chennai

Metropolitan Area.  Cyclone-Prone Areas: In the Chennai Metropolitan Area, it stretches for 20 kilometres from the shore. The risk in these regions comes from (a) cyclonic wind speeds mixed with a strong storm, (b) saltwater flooding caused by high waves, and (c) flooding caused by a strong storm.  Flood-prone areas: According to the Indian flood hazard map (created by the meteorological department in New Delhi), no place in Tamil Nadu is in the danger zone. However, flooding is a major catastrophe hazard in Chennai, and flood prone region mapping is required due to an area's closeness to major drainage systems such as rivers, canals, and also water bodies such as lakes, as well as contour levels/low-lying areas. Development in such low-lying areas is authorised only if the proposed development satisfies all applicable requirements and the PWD authorises the flood-prevention measures.  Tsunami-prone locations: Mapping of the places in the Chennai Metropolitan

Area where the tsunami of December 2004 directly impacted and inundated the

coastal areas is required.Tsunami-prone zones may need to be established in these places. However, 500 metres from HTL along the shore, this region inside the Chennai Metropolitan Area will fall into the CRZ area.  Disaster Management Policy: Since 2004-05, Tamil Nadu has had a disaster management policy. The focus of this strategy is on disaster preparedness, prevention, and mitigation rather than relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction actions after a disaster. The following are the essential elements of this policy:

Convergence of disaster management and development planning, formulation of disaster management plans at all levels that take into account local conditions, focusing on reducing community vulnerability rather than just disaster relief, cultivating a culture of prevention among the community and various government organs through training and awareness campaigns, and involving the community at all stages of disaster management activities.

The CMA Development Control Rules regulate constructions in terms of zone, location, height, number of floors, building size, setback areas to be left around the structure, and the usage of the building and land.

3 . 1 0 E N V I R O N M E N T

As per SMP every department involved in the development of CMA should establish environmental planning and development units. A sustainable environmental strategy for Chennai should be developed in accordance with the National Environment Policy. Land, air, noise, and water must be addressed, and natural resources must be protected. All CMA development agencies and local governments should be compelled to establish a long-term strategy for environmental protection and improvement for their area of authority and sector. The TNPCB may undertake a complete research and develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the Chennai Metropolitan Area.

Recycling and harvesting of grey water should be promoted. Measures such as traffic slowdown in residential areas and the designation of select major routes as pedestrian zones might be explored. To boost green cover, local governments must design and implement treeplanting programmes. Picnic areas should be established around water bodies, which would not only aid in preservation but also produce cash for improved upkeep. The TNPCB may undertake a complete research and develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for

the Chennai Metropolitan Area, identifying problem areas, hotspots, and suggesting solutions for the responsible authorities to improve the environment.

3 . 1 1 R E C R E A T I O N A N D T O U R I S M

In the remainder of the CMA, maintenance of existing parks and playgrounds, as well as the creation of new parks and playgrounds, require attention. It is possible to construct a database of existing parks and playgrounds in the CMA, which will be necessary for planning and development. CMDA can set aside a portion of the OSR charges collected for overall recreational facility development at the CMA level, apportioning them proportionately based on the amounts collected in the jurisdiction of the local bodies involved.

There are several tourist attractions in the Chennai Metropolitan Area, ranging from wellknown temples to beach resorts, heritage buildings, and amusement parks. Chennai is also the South's cultural hub, with music and dance holding a particular place in people's hearts. Nonresident Indians and tourists alike go to the dance and music festival season in December. To attract tourists, the Department of Tourism has the following plans on hand.

 The construction of a convention centre within the CMA, complete with enough parking spaces, infrastructure, and appealing layouts, will attract a large number of business travellers.

 Buckingham Canal, which runs from Sholinganallur to Muttukadu, might be a great place to go pleasure boating. The Canal will be desilted, strengthened, and beautified with avenue trees, attractive plants, and floral herbs, making it a tourist attraction.  Exhibiting a ship for visitors at a prominent location such as Marina will be instructive, educational, and entertaining. This will be a valuable complement to the City's tourist promotion efforts.  Sun-et-Lumiere: After the British arrived, Chennai had a fascinating history. It has played an important part in the fight for liberation. Organising a sound and light display at Rajaji Hall emphasising the liberation fight, together with some new structures, may instil patriotic fervour in young minds while also attracting tourists to this ancient landmark.

 Memorial Lighting: The illumination of memorials to renowned leaders may draw enormous crowds of tourists. Floodlighting heritage buildings with more than 150 years of history, as well as monuments such as the War Memorial, would also draw a big number of tourists.

 Fine Arts College Art Gallery: Showcasing Tamil Nadu's creative treasure by showcasing the works of notable individuals in an art gallery would be a suitable homage to the talent of various artists who have enhanced Tamil Nadu's culture and history.  Butterfly Park and Night Safari: The addition of a Butterfly Park and a Night Safari to

Vandalor Zoological Park will bring a huge number of guests to the Zoo at night.

3 . 1 2 D E V E L O P M E N T R E G U L A T I O N S

 Developments in such Land use zones will be governed by Development Regulations, which are part of the Second Master Plan. Certain uses will be authorised routinely in each use zone, while others will be authorized with CMDA's special permission. The main purpose of the Development Regulation is to promote development in accordance with the land use zoning contained in this Master Plan.  Further in CMA areas for buildings of special character such as multi storeyed building areas, continuous building areas, and economically weaker section areas are also designated in the plan. Ecologically sensitive areas zoned include CRZ areas, Aquifer recharge areas, and Red Hills catchment areas. MRTS influence areas; IT Corridor and areas around Airports are shown as areas of special character. Development prohibited area namely Pallikkaranai swamp area, area around Indian Air Force station are clearly demarcated and shown in the Plan.

3 . 1 3 L A N D U S E & P L A N N I N G S T R A T E G I E S

Activities Influencing Urban Form:

 New road infrastructure projects – Rajiv Gandhi Salai, extension of NH Bye-pass from

Maduravoyal to Redhills, and creation of outer ring road and other ring connections are among the significant recent developments/decisions that will have a far-reaching influence on the future urban form and structure.

 Developments along the Rajiv Gandhi Salai in the southern side of CMA's IT corridor (Old Mammallapuram Road).  Multi-story building redevelopment for business and IT parks, as well as residential and non-residential locations.

The Development Control Rules have now been revised and reformed to comply to the intended zoning and urban layout for CMA, based on the above strategies and activities.

The primary adjustments are:

i) Allowing multi-story constructions in the rest of the Metropolitan area ; and ii) Allowing multi-story structures in the rest of the Metropolitan area (excluding the Island Grounds, approved layout areas, Aquifer recharge area and Redhills catchment area) iii) Special buildings are now defined as those with more than six housing units. iv) Allowing IT buildings and bio-informatics facilities in mixed-use zones (residential, commercial, and institutional). v) Suggesting a maximum FSI of 2.00 for special buildings and group projects inside the MRTS impact zone between Luz and Velachery with housing unit no more than 75 square metres in floor space each. vi) Designating the Rajiv Gandhi Salai as an information technology corridor (Old Mamallapuram Road) vii) Within Primary Residential Areas, working women's hostels and old age homes are accommodated.

viii) Proposing the transfer of development rights, among other things like, road widening, heritage building protection, and slum rehabilitation. ix) Allowing for limited development in the aquifer Area to recharge x) Providing for the preservation of historic structures xi) Rationalizing special building design characteristics in terms of site size, number of residences, and number of levels xii) Revision of parking regulations based entirely on recommendations from a recent parking needs consulting study xiii) Reducing the size of the plot or the side setback requirement xiv) Extending the exempted zones of incidental constructions from FSI calculations xv) Including accessibility features for people with impairments xvi) Allowing multi-story buildings (MSBs) to be built along 12 m and 15 m wide highways with FSI and height restrictions. xvii) In the event of special buildings, group developments, and multi-story structures, 10% of land is set aside for EWS/LIG with housing sizes not exceeding 45 sq.m.