Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is planning to improve waste management, renewable sources of energy and free Wi-Fi services at the public congregation zones during the Third Master Plan (2027-2046) period.
CMDA sources said studies involving the local bodies, Tangedco, and Tamil Nadu Information Technology Department are expected to be done in six months as the third party outsourced for analysis has been finalised. Public hearings would be held thereafter, officials said.
The CMDA commissioned a study for a Comprehensive and ‘Integrated Sub-plan for Physical Infrastructure Development in the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA)‘. The study covers an area of 1,189 sq. km.
The study will focus on sectors like solid waste management, electricity, and telecommunications infrastructure by assessing current facilities and machinery, identifying future needs, and proposing sustainable and profitable strategies. Studies on social, gender-inclusive and economy sectors are ongoing.
Since the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewage Board is working on sewage and drinking water projects, there is no need for duplication of processes, hence it has been excluded, officials said.
According to CMDA officials, inputs from previous sectoral studies such as Chennai Corporation’s Climate Action Plan and stakeholder engagements will be incorporated. The final sub-plan will provide spatial, financial, and temporal frameworks for infrastructure development.
“CMDA will look into the macro level of solid waste management. Firstly, the daily waste generation and source segregation need to be quantified. All stakeholders including Corporations, municipalities, panchayats etc., will be involved in planning this process. The CMDA will aim to bring in sustainable methods other than landfilling such as waste-to-energy units for 20 years from 2027 with the data received,” according to a CMDA official.
On power consumption, sources said, that renewable sources will be looked into to becoming the major power sources for the entire CMA. “Current power consumption trend and TANGEDCO’s plans to sustain future demands through renewable or non-renewable will be studied. Another study is also looking into the feasibility of having distinct cooling systems through natural resources to curb urban heat,” the official said.
Regarding telecom, which is mostly a private sector, the officials said industries are working on certain urban and street design guidelines that will bring uniformity in network accessibility. This industry involves a lot of digging work. Methods to minimise digging and have a proper channel for telecom cables would be looked at. Also, towers that do not disrupt the entire view of the city are being checked, officials said.
In western countries, there is public wifi access, which is a major reason for improved connectivity and the youth will have better access to networks as digital transactions are booming right now, they point out.
The tenders for the studies were rolled out earlier in December, but a retender had to be floated again in January. “This involves a huge volume of stakeholders. So, for such analysis and studies, CMDA does not usually involve in-house parties,” an official said.
Published – February 09, 2025 10:54 pm IST