Expansion of CMA evokes mixed reaction

The expansion of Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) has evoked a mixed reaction from public, with those living in suburban areas, already part of the CMA, saying that mere expansion does not fulfill any purpose as basic infrastructure projects are yet to be taken up in their localities. 

The state government on January this year issued an order stating that the CMA will be extended to 8,878 square km from existing 1,189. Further, a total of 1,709 villages in Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram districts and parts of Vellore district have been identified for inclusion in the CMA. Even as Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) officials claim the objective for the expansion is to provide better facilities to those areas, public and activists have expressed reservations. 

P Viswanathan, a social activist and coordinator of Chitlapakkam Residents Welfare Association said, “Even though Chitlapakkam, which belongs to Kancheepuram district currently falls under CMA, we do not have even basic amenities like transport and drinking water supply. In such a situation, there is no point in extending the CMA limits.” Similarly, S Mohanram, president of Consumer Protection Council of Thirunindravur in Tiruvallur district, said, “Officials should ensure all the areas have basic amenities and better quality of life. A sizable number of road projects are still incomplete and there is water scarcity in many areas coming under CMA.” 

CMDA officials, who are  currently seeking opinion from residents in Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur and Vellore districts on the expansion, said a report will be submitted to the Housing and Urban Planning Development.