CMDA extends plot regularisation scheme

After the initial lull in the number of persons coming forward to apply for regularisation, the agency has received a large number of applications in the recent days, sources said. The CMDA has so far received 27,000 online applications, while Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) got more than 2.25 lakh applications.

“The DTCP received around one lakh applications in the past week alone. The agencies were organising awareness campaigns across the state, which has led many to apply online,” an official said.

To add impetus to the scheme, the process had already been simplified, relaxing various rules relating to the scheme and reducing development charges for the regularisation of the plots or layouts, added the official. 

Welcoming the move to extend the deadline by six months, S Ramaprabhu, vice chairman of Builders’ Association of India’s Southern Centre said: “The number of applications received by two government agencies show that the many are aware of the scheme and its extension will urge many more to apply.”

After the sluggish pace of progress in dealing with the regulisation process, the CMDA and DTCP have given a target to its staff. 

“We have given a target that a sizable number of applications should be processed within a week,” said an official. “The increasing online applications have ignited hopes that many are aware of the scheme. It is certain that we will receive lakhs of applications in the coming days and our awareness campaign will continue,” said a senior official, CMDA. 

It may be noted that the scheme will be eligible for those buyers who have registered plots in layouts formed in the Chennai Metropolitan Area before October 20, 2016.