CMDA gets Rs 2 cr under Amrut for George Town redevelopment

According to a CMDA official, about Rs two crore has been sanctioned for the project under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (Amrut), which would be utilised to meet the expenses of preparing the redevelopment plan.

“Under the Amrut scheme, the government has been providing funds to cities to prepare a redevelopment plan or new plan. So, we have written to the government following which the funds are sanctioned. Remaining expenses will be borne by the CMDA,” the official added. Justice Rajeshwaran Committee, which was appointed to study the George Town area a few years ago, had identified that more than 99 per cent buildings in the locality are contravening the building norms. Following the report, CMDA had proposed redevelopment of the entire locality. Similar proposals for Purasaiwalkam and Triplicane are in nascent stages. As per the redevelopment plan, the CMDA intends to encourage group development in the area. “We will prepare a redevelopment plan, with several incentives to the building owners who would abide by the plan. It will be like carrot and stick measure,” the official explained.

The CMDA has decided to prepare the redevelopment plan in-house by engaging its own planners rather than appointing private consultants. Also, young town planners would be roped in on a temporary basis to assist the CMDA planners. Explaining the reason for the redevelopment plan, the official said that George Town was developed before the town planning rules were framed and the area has an unplanned development. The roads and streets in George Town are too narrow, through which even emergency service vehicles including ambulances could not enter.

The plan would propose wider roads, public open spaces, better ventilation and other social infrastructural facilities.