CMDA seeks Central fund to redevelop George Town

According to a CMDA official, the request has been sent to Tamil Nadu Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (TUFIDCO). “We could not directly approach the central government seeking funds. So, we have sent a request to TUFIDCO, who in turn would forward the request to the central government,” the official added.

The CMDA has sought Rs 1 crore and funds would be utilised to meet the expenses of conducting studies and preparing a detailed project report, which would be done in-house.

Justice Rajeshwaran Committee, which was appointed to study the George Town area a few years ago, had identified that more than 99 per cent buildings in the locality were built with building violations. Following the report, CMDA had proposed redevelopment of the entire locality, which has come to be described as a ‘tinderbox’. “As per the redevelopment plan, we are going to encourage group development in the area. Some owners are opposing the project and we have to convince them before going forward,” an official said.

Explaining the reason for the redevelopment plan, the official said that George Town was developed before the town planning rules were framed and the area has an unplanned development. The roads and streets in George Town are too narrow for even ambulances to enter.

Meanwhile, the CMDA is mulling to relax FSI norms for the building owners, who agree to redevelop George Town. The planning authority also has plans to redevelop other congested localities, including Triplicane and Purasawalkam, after the successful implementation of George Town redevelopment plan. “After completion of the project, George Town will have wider roads, public open spaces, better ventilation and other social infrastructural facilities,” the official added.