Cell coming in CMDA to give green stamp

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government is set to amend Development Control Rules for urban development by making a provision to create an Environment Cell within the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA).

This would mean that a builder will no longer require to obtain environmental clearance from Tamil Nadu State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (TNSEIAA) as compliance must be ensured by the cell.
 It is learnt that the State government held a key meeting on Tuesday to bring in changes to the development regulations whereby it will be mandatory to get certification from the Environment Cell if the builtup area exceeds 5,000 sqm.

Sources said the government will send in the amendments to development regulations for the concurrence of Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change after which it will be incorporated in development regulations.

Apart from introducing the new norms in development control rules, plans are also afoot to formulate Common Building Rules which is in advanced stage.

It is learnt that the Tamil Nadu government has prepared a blueprint to frame ‘Tamil Nadu Common building Rules, 2016’ for local bodies in accordance with the provisions of Model Building by-laws. The Common Building Rules for the entire Tamil Nadu would mean there will not be different set of development rules for corporations, municipalities, town panchayats and panchayats.

Once the new rule comes into force, a set of 60 development rules will govern the construction of buildings across the State. The new building rules also have several new clauses like the need to get occupancy certificate and completion certificate.

This would speed up the process of approvals and help strengthen Single Window Clearance. It will also help CMDA planners to focus on planning rather than focussing on approval and enforcement which is degrading its authority and resulting in legal issues. Sources also said the proposal has been sent to Municipal Administration and Water Supply department for approval.

Issues relating to transferable development rights and Premium Floor Space Index as well as special development regulation for promoting affordable housing were also discussed at the meeting.

Fact check
Tamil Nadu to integrate environmental parameters as part of development regulations
This will put an end to separate environmental clearance from State environment impact assessment authority
A separate environment cell will be created in CMDA, which will ensure that environmental conditions are complied with