Evolve Chandigarh model city for Tamil Nadu plea by planners

Chennai:

Tamil Nadu should evolve a well-planned city on the model of Chandigarh and the town planners on Thursday vowed to help the state government in pursuit of the dream city.

Ruing the fact that Southern India, including Tamil Nadu the most urbanized state in India, does not have such a planned city like Chandigarh, Institute of Town Planners India Tamil Nadu chapter said during the World Town Planning Day here that they have urged Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to evolve a well-planned city for the state.

At a function which was addressed by Housing and Urban Development department K Phanindra Reddy and British Deputy High Commissioner Mike Nithavriankis, ITPI treasurer S Balasubramaniam said that funds won’t be a problem in planning the city.

Reddy said that Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority is working on the multi-modal integration of Metropolitan Transport corporation and Chennai Metro rail.

He also said that Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority is taking action against unauthorized constructions in those areas where the violation is maximum. This action will provide relief to people who are living in congested areas, he said.

Nithavriankis highlighted the need to reduce carbon footprint and said Britain could partner with the city in building low carbon cities. He also highlighted the project in Madurai. He said Madurai support is being offered through partners to develop low carbon tools in the Indian context and to prepare planning and design sourcebook showing lessons learned and guidance for general application