Date:01/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/01/stories/2008110158880300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Focus on affordable housing for the economically weaker sections

Staff Reporter

“The increasing slum population in cities must be given due weightage in urban planning”

Photo: R. Shivaji Rao

TOWARDS PROGRESS: Information Minister Parithi Illamvazhuthi at the photo exhibition held as part of a seminar organised by the CMDA on Friday. CMDA vice-chairperson Susan Mathew and Secretary to Union Ministry of Urban Development M. Ramachandran are also seen in the picture. —

CHENNAI: Measures to provide adequate housing to the burgeoning migrant population in the city must be incorporated in the urban planning to turn Chennai into a harmonious metropolitan city, emphasised speakers at a national seminar organised by Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) here on Friday.

Inaugurating the two-day seminar on ‘Second Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area 2026 — Avenues and Opportunities,’ Information Minister and CMDA chairman Parithi Illamvazhuthi said that the second Master Plan envisaged provision of affordable housing to the economically weaker sections (EWS) of the society.

Elaborating on various features of the plan, the Minister said that it permitted additional floor space index of 0.25 in constructions meant for EWS and low-income group housing. Chennai’s population density is expected to increase from 247 persons per hectare as on 2001 to 333 persons in 2026. The plan recommended dispersal of population and decongestion measures to accommodate the needs of future population through land use zoning. It also encouraged construction of multi-storeyed buildings in the entire Chennai Metropolitan Area.

With Chennai and its neighbourhood becoming a preferred destination for industrial investments, it has become necessary for government agencies to periodically review the needs of the industries and develop more industrial estates, Mr. Illamvazhuthi said.

CMDA vice-chairperson Susan Mathew said that the demand for housing was expected to increase from the existing 44,000 units a year to 62,000 units a year between 2021 and 2026. The new concepts in the plan — premium FSI and transfer of developmental rights — are expected to address the demand.

The plan, which dwelt on several challenges in associated areas, said the public transport system would also need to be improved to meet the increasing needs of the population. The underlying concept should put in place facilities that encouraged use of public transport. The reduced use of private vehicles would go a long way in conserving fuel and reducing pollution.

Besides improved traffic management and parking policy, segregating freight from passenger traffic was also on the agenda, she said.

Secretary to Union Ministry of Urban Development M.Ramachandran said many urban development plans did not have adequate focus on housing. While 55 per cent of Mumbai’s population lived in slums, slums and unauthorised constructions formed a major share of Delhi’s urban landscape.

The increasing slum population in cities must be given due weightage in urban planning.

The concept of having a State Capital Region on the lines of National Capital Region should be considered to address the imbalance in urban growth, he said.

On the developmental projects in Chennai, he said the State must ensure sustainability of the 19 projects sanctioned under Jawaharlal Nehru National Renewal Mission.

Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary R. Sellamuthu said enforcement of regulatory framework specified in the plan was one of the major challenges. Promoters and architects must incorporate the features of the plan in their projects.

A photo exhibition on Chennai since its formation in 1639 organised as part of the seminar was opened by Mr. Illamvazhuthi.