CHENNAI: As the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is in the process of preparing a Third Master Plan (TMP) for the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA), the planning authority has appointed the Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS) to conduct a comprehensive study on the spatial distribution of employment and income categories.

According to CMDA, the exercise is part of the Tamil Nadu Housing and Habitat Development Project (TNHHDP), supported by the World Bank. "Our approach involves analyzing economic census data, survey insights, and spatial information. The insights garnered from this study will play a pivotal role in shaping the forthcoming Third Master Plan (2027-2046) for the Chennai Metropolitan Area. Stay tuned for valuable insights that will contribute to the sustainable development of Chennai, " the planning authority said.

As per a CMDA document, the expansion of CMA (to cover 5,904 sqkm from earlier 1,189 sqkm) will significantly affect present trends of employment and income distribution. "Further, the new policies involve the establishment of new employment corridors among others. These decisions will require responsive and resilient spatial planning for the housing demands in the city with provisions to ensure safety and encourage affordability across income segments, " the document said.

The planning authority pointed out that changes in urban areas, including expansion, are significantly driven by the location of industries and firms, employment and income patterns.

There is a correlation between the location of jobs, housing and commute time from home to the workplace.

As per the present economic pattern, the core city retains port activity, administration (Secretariat) and services. Manufacturing has developed in peripheral areas (Orgadam, Sriperumbudur). Software Services have developed in clusters across the IT corridor along OMR, Tidel Parks in Siruseri and SEZs. Chennai now has multiple business districts.

Meanwhile, the planning authority has initiated several similar studies to incorporate them in the TMP and collected public opinion to prepare a vision document based on which the TMP will be prepared