Tamil Nadu: Planned Development | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

Introduction

Planned development refers to a strategic approach to land use, aiming to guide the growth and transformation of urban and rural areas under a comprehensive plan. In Tamil Nadu, this involves creating master plans, detailed development plans, and special initiatives to ensure balanced and efficient development across the state.

Planned Development Overview

• Definition: Planned development is a methodical approach to zoning and land use, designed to foster creativity and organization in the development of large areas. It incorporates diverse land uses within a unified master plan, promoting a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational activities.

• Regional Planning: The concept of regional planning gained importance with the Housing & Regional Planning Panel in 1955. The aim is balanced regional development through coordinated growth in industry and agriculture, improving the overall standard of living.

• Regional Division: Tamil Nadu is divided into eight regions based on geography, resources, market potential, and population. This segmentation helps in planning for growth centers, service hubs, and transportation networks while preserving natural and cultural resources.

Types of Development Plans

Master Plans

• Purpose: Master Plans are strategic documents that guide the zoning and utilization of urban land, addressing residential, commercial, industrial, and public spaces.
• Content: They outline land use regulations, identify problem areas, and propose infrastructure improvements. For example, they may suggest new locations for schools or parks based on projected population growth.
• Implementation: Tamil Nadu has declared 114 Local Planning Areas and prepared master plans for these regions, including six new town development areas.

Detailed Development Plans (DDPs)

• Purpose: DDPs are more specific than master plans and focus on smaller urban areas, detailing road networks and development projects.
• Content: These plans are action-oriented, providing detailed strategies for the growth of specific urban zones. For instance, they address rapid development in certain neighborhoods.
• Current Status: 1,625 DDPs have been created, with a mix of approved, consented, and draft plans.

New Town Development Plans (NTDPs)

• Purpose: NTDPs focus on transforming areas with special characteristics (e.g., industrial, educational) into fully developed new towns.
• Content: These plans harness the unique potential of these areas to create new urban centers. Tamil Nadu has ten notified New Town Development Authorities and has developed plans for six of these areas.

Special Development Initiatives

Urban Renewal

• Purpose: Urban renewal aims to revitalize deteriorating urban areas and improve living conditions through extensive development programs.
• Content: This includes upgrading infrastructure and services in old urban areas. The department has developed urban renewal programs for five major cities, excluding Chennai.

Traffic and Transportation Planning

• Purpose: Address the growing complexity of urban traffic and transportation systems.
• Content: Comprehensive Traffic and Transport Action Plans (CTTS) are developed for major cities, while Traffic Operational and Management Plans (TOMP) are designed for smaller towns. These plans focus on improving travel efficiency and reducing congestion.

Heritage Town Development Plans

• Purpose: Protect and enhance the environment of heritage towns while accommodating development.
• Content: Development plans for 38 identified heritage towns are created to manage construction activities and preserve historical sites, including restrictions on building heights near heritage sites.

Urban Centres in Least Urbanized Taluks

• Purpose: Promote urban development in less urbanized areas to serve surrounding villages.
• Content: Identified taluks without urban centers are being developed to act as service hubs for nearby villages. Development plans have been prepared for 45 such taluks.

Civic Designs and Planning Funds

Civic Designs

• Purpose: Assist local bodies in designing public facilities such as bus stands and commercial complexes.
• Content: Regional offices support local bodies in preparing and approving civic designs for various public projects.

Town and Country Planning Development Fund

• Purpose: Provide financial support for development planning and execution.
• Content: This fund is used for implementing development plans, maintaining parks, and conducting planning-related studies.

Future Directions

Regional Planning Bill

• Purpose: The new planning bill aims to balance growth across Tamil Nadu with a focus on preserving agricultural lands and natural habitats.
• Content: The bill will incorporate factors like agro-climatic zones and pollution levels into a comprehensive regional plan for 2050, utilizing Geographic Information Systems for detailed planning.