The new relaxation provided in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification 2018 is likely to increase the number of multi-storeyed buildings along the scenic East Coast Road in Chennai.
Chennai:
“Chennai falls under CRZ-II area up to Uthandi on East Coast Road. Earlier, the high-rise buildings were banned within 500 meters from the tideline. The government relaxed the norm and allowed such structures beyond 200 meters from tideline, which would increase the number of high-rises along East Coast Road till Uthandi. FSI has also been allowed in the region,” S Ramaprabhu, vice chairman of Builders’ Association of India (BAI), said.
While predicting a surge in the real estate industry in Chennai, especially along the coast, Ramaprabhu pointed out that the cities like Mumbai and Goa would also be benefited.
The cabinet, which cleared the new notification, had also delegated the powers for clearances with respect to CRZ-II (Urban areas) and CRZ-III (Rural areas) at the state level with necessary guidance to ensure the ease of doing business.
As the CRZ notification has stipulated two categories for CRZ-III based on population density as CRZ-III A (more than 2161 persons per sq.km) and CRZ-III B (below 2161 persons per sq.km), the developments are expected beyond the city limits. The new notification has allowed development beyond 50 metres from high tide line (HTL) against 200 meters stipulated in 2011 notification. The No-Development Zone (NDZ) remains the same at 200 meters from HTL in CRZ-III B.
“As the coastal areas in Chennai and East Coast Road would easily exceed the density slab fixed by the CRZ notification, more projects would come up there,” Ramaprabhu opined.
The new notification has also given a respite to the owners of 548 buildings in Uthandi, Sholinganallur and Injambakkam areas along ECR that are in the regulation zone. “Most of the buildings are located beyond 50 meters from HTL. Those buildings will escape action,” a CMDA official said.
The CRZ notification, issued on December 28, has de-frozen floor space index (FSI) and permitted construction projects in areas falling under CRZ-II (Urban) by allowing FSI as prevailing on the date of the new notification.
“Chennai falls under CRZ-II area up to Uthandi on East Coast Road. Earlier, the high-rise buildings were banned within 500 meters from the tideline. The government relaxed the norm and allowed such structures beyond 200 meters from tideline, which would increase the number of high-rises along East Coast Road till Uthandi. FSI has also been allowed in the region,” S Ramaprabhu, vice chairman of Builders’ Association of India (BAI), said.
While predicting a surge in the real estate industry in Chennai, especially along the coast, Ramaprabhu pointed out that the cities like Mumbai and Goa would also be benefited.
The cabinet, which cleared the new notification, had also delegated the powers for clearances with respect to CRZ-II (Urban areas) and CRZ-III (Rural areas) at the state level with necessary guidance to ensure the ease of doing business.
As the CRZ notification has stipulated two categories for CRZ-III based on population density as CRZ-III A (more than 2161 persons per sq.km) and CRZ-III B (below 2161 persons per sq.km), the developments are expected beyond the city limits. The new notification has allowed development beyond 50 metres from high tide line (HTL) against 200 meters stipulated in 2011 notification. The No-Development Zone (NDZ) remains the same at 200 meters from HTL in CRZ-III B.
“As the coastal areas in Chennai and East Coast Road would easily exceed the density slab fixed by the CRZ notification, more projects would come up there,” Ramaprabhu opined.
The new notification has also given a respite to the owners of 548 buildings in Uthandi, Sholinganallur and Injambakkam areas along ECR that are in the regulation zone. “Most of the buildings are located beyond 50 meters from HTL. Those buildings will escape action,” a CMDA official said.
Fishermen fear losing habitat, livelihood
While the real estate and tourism industry expecting growth due to the new CRZ notification, fisherfolk have raised concerns that notification would commercialise the coastal area. K Bharathi, president, South India Fishermen Welfare Association, said that the government was yet to fulfil the promises that it had made while releasing CRZ notification in 2011. “The government had promised to demarcate traditional spaces for fishing activity. But it did not materialise,” he added. He alleged that the government has planned to privatise seashore in the name of development and tourism and added, “We will lose our rights on our land.” “How the developments are allowed in CRZ-III area if the 2011 notification banned development up to 200 meters? It is a clear violation. Now, the violations will be legalised,” Bharathi said.