The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has formed a committee to undertake a scientific study of such areas with a plan to change the rules and increase the floor space index (FSI).
Currently, construction is permitted only 15 mt from water bodies and acquifer recharge areas with maximum FSI of 0.8. The new proposal was mooted at recent meeting and the change in FSI would be decided, based on the results of the study by the committee which will include Geological Survey of India experts.
Any area where water seeps into the ground and recharges groundwater is called an acquifer recharge area with most such area located in Kottivakkam, Palavakkam, Neelankarai, Okkiam Thoraipakkam, Injambakkam, Karapakkam, Sholinganallur and Uttandi.
These areas were no development zones as Metrowater, wanted to use them for water supply. Now the agency has declared they are not needed but since they help reduce sea water intrusion, they remained protected.
If CMDA was studying it scientifically to increase FSI it will be good for the real estate business. Increase FSI will lead to more development closer to the city. CMDA official Hitesh Kumar Makwana said that the proposal was discussed at the meeting and they had formed a committee to study it. “We can decide based on the report,” he said.