New Chennai Master Plan Must Factor in Economic Activity, Labour Patterns: Report

CMDA-commissioned study highlights that areas like Manali saw growth, but lack affordable housing

- C. SHIVAKUMAR @ Chennai

A report commissioned by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has recommended a shift in urban planning in the preparation of the Third Master Plan for the city. The study by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) titled 'Spatial Distribution of Employment and Income Categories' suggests that rather than relying only on land parcels and population forecasts, city planning be done based on economic activity, labour patterns, and real-time shifts in migration, capital flows and employment.

The report, which has been submitted to CMDA, maps how traditional residential zones have evolved into mixed-use economic hubs hosting micro-enterprises, IT services, and informal businesses. It finds that rigid zoning no longer reflects the spatial logic of Chennai's economy.