Layout for Chithamanur Industrial plot to be ready by June end

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

The preparation of layout for Chithamanur Industrial plot with an extent of 32.26 acres in Marimalai Nagar is in progress and is expected to be completed by the end of June, according to CMDA sources.

The layout is part of the Marimalai Nagar New Town scheme and it got the approval of the authority on July 2011.

“The land will be purely used for industrial purpose. The contract has been awarded to a contractor and the work is in progress with an estimated cost of Rs.14 crore,” the CMDA source said.

Interestingly, a few acres of land has also been encroached and pose a hurdle for developing the industrial layout. CMDA sources said that few encroachments exist in the portion of land earmarked as park. “These will be removed soon,” said the CMDA source.

It is learnt that the construction wing has urged the senior estate officer to evict the encroachments. The government decided to take up the development of New Town at Maraimalai Nagar near Chengalpet on 1972 and acquired 1,852 acres of land in nine villages of Potheri, Katankulathur, Kilakaranai, Ninnakkarai, Chithamanur, Gudalur, Sengundram, Thirukatchur and Peramanur.

Interestingly, 1,572 acres were developed for residential, industrial and other purposes in the form of 14 residential neighbourhoods and five industrial areas. However, the remaining plots of land lay scattered covered under court cases and some under encroachment.

The area got a boost with the allotment of bulk lands to Ford India for establishing their automobile factory. CMDA sources said the allotment of land to Ford has served as impetus for the overall growth of Marimalai Nagar and also created the demand for development of housing, commercial and industries activities including the service sector.

Sources said once the layout for the Chithamanur Industrial plot is prepared then it will be given to the industries. The focus is now more on laying roads, drainage and lighting.