CMDA Mulls Mandatory Drainage Plans for Buildings in Chennai
In response to the December floods that led to inundation of buildings situated on flood channels, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is considering a new regulation. Under this proposal, submission of a drainage plan will be obligatory to obtain planning permission for buildings. CMDA has initiated the process of overlaying Geographic Information System (GIS) data from 21 departments over its land use map to streamline the approval process. Upon application submission, the online portal will automatically indicate the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from relevant departments. For sites near water bodies, a drainage plan, certified by a hydrologist, will be necessary to ensure proper water flow into the water bodies.
CMDA implemented a single-window online planning permission application system in May 2022, integrated with urban and rural local bodies. Notably, the portal has expedited approvals, with 114 permissions granted within 30 days of application recently. Last year, the portal received 135 applications for high-rise buildings (HRB), of which 100 were cleared, along with 641 non-HRB applications, out of which 455 were approved. Similarly, in 2023, 837 applications were received, with 605 successfully cleared.
CMDA implemented a single-window online planning permission application system in May 2022, integrated with urban and rural local bodies. Notably, the portal has expedited approvals, with 114 permissions granted within 30 days of application recently. Last year, the portal received 135 applications for high-rise buildings (HRB), of which 100 were cleared, along with 641 non-HRB applications, out of which 455 were approved. Similarly, in 2023, 837 applications were received, with 605 successfully cleared.