The CMDA will look into widening more than 400 roads across its jurisdictions.
What’s it about? Across its jurisdictions, the CMDA has proposed widening 423 roads in local bodies like Tambaram, Avadi, and the Greater Chennai Corporation. A feasibility study will be done to see how many of the 423 roads can be widened. Per Section 17 (2) of the 1971 Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, the Second Master Plan can be changed.
- The alignment will be half the width of the right of way measured on either side of the central line of the road. If there’s a railway line on one side, the road will be widened on the other.
- For those whose land will be impacted, a CMDA official said they’ll have to prepare a compensation package.
Concerns: Former Anna University professor of urban engineering KP Subramanian cited Section 17(2) and said it doesn’t give power to anyone. It only states the master plan provides for all matters, including improving roads and streets. He said the second Master Plan had listed 100 roads, and studies should be done on these to justify the widening.