CHENNAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi told the Assembly on Thursday that the Government proposed to build a satellite town on a sprawling 30,000 acre piece of land near Chennai, south of the Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road.

Announcing this in the House through a suo motu statement, he allayed apprehensions of locals, saying the proposed town would not cause any displacement.

Infrastructure facilities

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's election manifesto, the Governor's address and the budget for 2006-2007 had declared that action would be initiated to create satellite towns around Chennai in view of the inadequacy of infrastructure, such as drinking water and roads, owing to the increasing population and traffic congestion.

The project would go a long way in reducing congestion in the metropolis. It would enable the city, emerging as an industrial and information technology destination, to attract more investments, besides providing quality infrastructure to the public.

According to the 2001 census, Chennai city had a population of 43.43 lakhs. The population of Chennai metropolis was 70.40 lakhs. In the next two decades, the population was expected to go up to 58.50 lakhs in the city and above 125 lakhs in the metropolis, Mr. Karunanidhi pointed out.

High population density

Chennai had a high population density; its present per km density of population was 28,125. Rising population had resulted in a deficiency in the city's infrastructure, and adequate space was unavailable for implementing the sanctioned projects, he said.

With a view to finding a solution to these problems, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority intended to choose 30,000 acres, out of the 1.40 lakh acres of land between Old Mahabalipuram Road and National Highway-45 south of the Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road, for creating the satellite town.

Only 13,000 families inhabited the proposed site, located in a pollution-free environment. The 270 sq km site was ideal for the satellite town. Only wastelands and dry lands would be acquired for the project, leaving water resources, dwelling areas and forest areas untouched. The Government would pay the market price to the landowners.

Mr. Karunanidhi said the existing habitations would be integrated with the proposed satellite town, and provided all facilities, including roads, drinking water and healthcare. Job opportunities created by the new town would offer the best benefits for the locals, paving the way for their economic empowerment.

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