Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority

Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority
Name	Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority
Formed	1972
Jurisdiction	Chennai Metropolitan Area
Headquarters	Thalamuthu Natarajan Building, Chennai
Chief1 name	Thiru Shiv Das Meena, IAS
Chief1 position	Chairman
Chief2 name	Anshul Mishra, IAS
Chief2 position	Member Secretary
Parent department	Government of Tamil Nadu
Website	https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in

Contents

History
Functions and responsibilities
Organizational structure
Major projects and initiatives
Governance and administration
See also

Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority is the statutory planning authority responsible for the comprehensive development of the Chennai Metropolitan Area. Established in 1972 under the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, it formulates and implements master plans, regulates development, and coordinates infrastructure projects. The authority plays a pivotal role in shaping the urban landscape of Chennai, one of India's major metropolitan cities, through strategic planning and development control.

History

The genesis of the authority can be traced to the rapid urbanization and expansion of Madras in the mid-20th century, which necessitated a coordinated planning approach. It was formally constituted in 1972, succeeding the Madras Metropolitan Development Authority following the enactment of state legislation. A landmark in its early history was the formulation and notification of the First Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area in 1975, which provided a structured framework for the city's growth. Over the decades, its mandate has evolved in response to the challenges posed by the city's expansion, leading to subsequent revised master plans and increased focus on sustainable development and regional planning.

Functions and responsibilities

The primary function of the authority is the preparation and periodic revision of the Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area, a comprehensive land use and development blueprint. It is responsible for granting planning permissions and building permits for developments within its jurisdiction, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations and development control rules. The authority also undertakes the planning and implementation of major infrastructure projects, including township development and area development schemes. Furthermore, it coordinates with other civic agencies like the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board to ensure integrated urban management.

Organizational structure

The authority is headed by a Chairman, typically a senior officer of the Indian Administrative Service, and a Member Secretary who oversees day-to-day operations. Its governance involves a board comprising representatives from various stakeholder departments, including Public Works Department, Tamil Nadu Housing Board, and the Chennai City Traffic Police. Functionally, it is divided into several directorates such as Planning, Development Regulation, and Projects, each managed by senior town planning officials. The organizational framework is designed to facilitate specialized focus on regional planning, zonal development, and enforcement activities across the metropolitan region.

Major projects and initiatives

A cornerstone initiative is the ongoing implementation of the Second Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area, which guides development until 2026. The authority has been instrumental in planning and developing major integrated townships like Siruseri SIPCOT and Sholinganallur to decongest the city core. It has also spearheaded area-specific development schemes such as the Chennai Metropolitan Area Groundwater Regulation Act enforcement and the Coastal Regulation Zone management plans. Recent focus includes transit-oriented development projects around Chennai Metro Rail corridors and the formulation of special regulations for information technology parks and special economic zones.

Governance and administration

The authority operates under the administrative control of the Housing and Urban Development Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Its policies and major decisions are subject to approval by the state government, particularly through the Minister for Housing and Urban Development. Financial administration involves funds allocated from the state budget, revenues from planning permissions, and grants for specific projects from central schemes like the Smart Cities Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. The authority also engages in public consultation processes as mandated by the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, for plan revisions and major policy changes.