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Chennai's skyline is poised to experience a significant transformation, with more high-rises expected to dot the horizon. This development comes as a consequence of the government's recent decision to reassume control over the issuance of planning permissions for high-rise structures, previously managed by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA).
The construction industry, particularly builders, applauds this governmental pivot, foreseeing a reduction in bureaucratic delay and a faster project turnover. They remain cautiously optimistic, however, concerning the potential for their project files to experience stagnation within government channels, as has occurred historically.
CMDA Minister P K Sekar Babu reiterated the benefits of this new amendment, expressing that it will enable better monitoring of planning permissions' progress and equip the government with the tools to question officials in the event of any delay.
As stipulated by the new law, a committee of nine officials, including the CMDA's member secretary and representatives from various departments such as fire and rescue services, Metro water, and police, will scrutinize high-rise building plans. The committee will then present its recommendations to the government for final approval.
Prior to April 2022, a similar procedure was in place, but the construction industry suffered significant losses due to bureaucratic stagnation. Developers felt more assured when approvals were handled directly by the CMDA, akin to the Directorate of Town and Country Planning's methodology.
As a result, an order was passed in April last year enabling a Multi-Storied Building (MSB) panel to approve structures up to 30.5 meters in height. Buildings surpassing this height would first require clearance by the MSB panel, then endorsement by the High-Rise Building (HRB) committee within CMDA. This procedure proved time-consuming, leading to a backlog of pending files, inspiring developers to favour governmental control.
In conclusion, the imminent changes to Chennai's skyline and the construction industry at large reflect the government's renewed approach to regulatory oversight. The anticipated streamlined processes could usher in an era of dynamic growth for the city, notwithstanding the need for effective monitoring to prevent bureaucratic stagnation.
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