High-Level Panel Formed to Combat Unauthorized Construction in Chennai

The Tamil Nadu government has established a high-level committee to combat and oversee unauthorized construction in Chennai. The committee, led by Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan, was formed following a directive from the Madras High Court and is scheduled to convene its inaugural meeting this week. This initiative aims to address the issue of unauthorized construction, which poses a significant challenge in the city.

The committee’s membership includes Anshul Mishra, Member-Secretary of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), the Chief Planner of CMDA’s Enforcement Cell, and the Joint Director of the Directorate of Town and Country Planning. The panel’s mandate encompasses monitoring over 10,000 buildings constructed annually in Chennai.

However, experts highlight the need for increased staffing in town planning agencies to effectively curb unauthorized constructions and ensure compliance with regulations. While the implementation of combined building rules has led to a reduction in unauthorized constructions, challenges remain, particularly in managing issues related to floor space index, setbacks, and road encroachments due to basement height increases.