Relaxation of FSI for tourism corridor hits roadblock due to hydrological eco-system concerns

C Shivakumar
Chennai:
The request by tourism department to relax floor space index (FSI) in the proposed tourism corridor in East Coast Road to enhance development has resulted in concerns for preservation of acquifer recharge areas.

Sources told Express on Tuesday that the tourism department has sought relaxation of FSI in the proposed tourism corridor from Neelangarai to Uthandi but concerns have been raised since the area is under shallow acquifers.

Allowing any major developments in the proposed tourism corridor should take into consideration the unique hydrological eco- system of the area, said sources.

Interestingly, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority has submitted a report in this regard to the government and a decision is awaited, CMDA sources said.

“If large scale tourism developments are permitted, it will lead to over exploitation of ground water which will adversely affect the natural ground water potential of this area which has already reached the optimum level and may also result in sea water intrusion,” sources said.

CMDA sources said in the Second Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Authority the aquifer recharge area has been zoned and special regulations brought in for the areas to be notified as tourism corridor. The maximum permissible FSI in the ECR area is only .8 and it is not relaxed further due to ecological concerns.
 Interestingly, since 1980-2007, developments were banned in this area to preserve aquifer potential in this area. However, considering the demand for land in view of IT developments and as aquifer recharge could be achieved by rainwater harvesting, proposal to lift the ban was taken for consideration by the then government and remarks of Metro Water were sought as they are the authority to develop and control the ground water resources.

Interestingly, Metro water stated that any major developments in the proposed tourism corridor should take into consideration the unique hydrological eco system of the area.

“If large scale tourism developments are permitted, it will lead to over exploitation of ground water which will adversely affect the natural ground water potential of this area which has already reached the optimum level and may also result in Sea Water intrusion,” Metro water stated.
 

As per Coastal Zone Notification, 2011 in CRZ-III areas between 200 to 500m from high tide line (HTL)  the tourism based activities are permissible subject to Union government clearance with a lower FSI of 0.33 and a coverage of 33 per cent and a height restriction of 9 metres. The restriction also applies to any ground water.
         
Currently, the proposal is before the government. “The recommendations along with Metro water report has been submitted to the government,” the sources added.