CMDA awaits govt order to regularise unapproved plots

“The decision of allowing plot regularization was taken in a department meeting. We cannot admit applications based only on the decision taken in a meeting as we need government order. We are expecting the government order,” a Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) official said.

The government announced regularization of unapproved plots and layouts in May 2017 and closed in November 2018 after providing two extensions. Following the demand from real estate industry and plot owners, a five-day extension was also given.

In total, the CMDA received around 67,000 applications and Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) received around 6.4 lakh applications under the scheme.

The housing department decided to allow applications with a penalty of 10 per cent from regularization charges to the owners who apply in six months. The decision was also taken to levy 25 per cent and 50 per cent penalty for applications sent between six and 12 months, and after 12 months respectively. However, the plots lying on the approved layouts and layouts with in-principle approvals could only be entertained.

Meanwhile, the realtors are expecting the ratification of Common Building Rules in the ongoing State assembly session and an order pertaining to the unapproved plots. “Common Building Rules may relax the cut-off date and have clauses regarding regularization of plots. Most probably, the Common Building Rules would be approved in the assembly in one or two days,” S Ramaprabhu, vice chairman of Builders’ Association of India (BAI), said. Sources in the housing department pointed out that of the total 6.4 lakh applications received by DTCP, more than 1.5 lakh applications were seized during the last five-day grace period. During the same period, CMDA received more than 14,000 applications.

There are over 17 lakh unapproved plots in the State, and more than half of the plot owners are yet to apply. The government had collected revenue of more than Rs 550 crore by regularizing the plots.