C Shivakumar @ Chennai:
The US consulate in Chennai is on a renovation mode after forty-nine years of its inception since it was built in 1969 and is now looking at getting Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority Clearance.
US consulate spokesperson Alexis Wolff told Express that the US Consulate in Chennai is dedicated to providing a safe, modern space for our staff and visitors.
“The upcoming renovation project will help modernize our facilities for US citizens and the growing number of Indians seeking to travel to the United States,” said Wolff.
Refusing to provide further details, the spokesperson said, “As a matter of policy we do not discuss the details of the renovation.”
A top CMDA official confirmed that talks are going on with US Consulate over giving necessary approvals. The project consists of two components – a partial infilling of existing courtyard within the walls of existing building and construction of an electrical demarcation room that abuts the compound to provide access to city utility staff.
The hitch is whether open space rule is applicable for renovating the building is applicable or not. Sources said that US consulate is mainintaining that the open space rule is not applicable.
It is learnt from sources that since the consulate which is built in 1969 predates the formation of CMDA, the renovation which takes place entirely inside the existing building would require no permission.
Interestingly, the other issue is the submission of permit application , where in Pan card and Aadhaar is mandatory. It is learnt that US consulate will be submitting a hard copy and this will be changed on the website to allow for submission.
“We will be giving our approval for renovation,” said a CMDA official.
It is learnt that the US consulate also wants the state government to widen the Cathedral Road.
Interestingly, Russian Consulate in the city is also on a renovation mode and permission has been sought to relax land use and development regulations for the existing building as well as building proposed to be constructed near the existing block in Santhome High Road.
As the proposed construction which include additional blocks, parking canopies and swimming pool, CMDA has insisted that Russian Consul General complies with the development regulations under Second Master Plan.
Factfile:
1. US consulate in Chennai to undergo renovation on the 50th year.
2. The renovation plan consists of two components – a partial infilling of existing courtyard within the walls of existing building and construction of an electrical demarcation room that abuts the compound to provide access to city utility staff
3. The upcoming renovation project will help modernize facilities for US citizens and the growing number of Indians seeking to travel to the United States
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