60 

CHAPTER 4

STUDY AREA

CHENNAI METROPOLITAN AREA (CMA)

In this Chapter, a general profile of Chennai Metropolitan Area in terms of

geographical location, population growth, its characteristics, physical form of

development, land use, and infrastructure available have been focused, after

making a study of the Second Master plan for CMA prepared by the Chennai

Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) which is the nodal planning

body in CMA.

Map 4.1 Location of Tamil Nadu in India

4.1 TAMIL NADU

Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is

bordered by the union territory of Puducherry, and the states of Kerala,

Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. It is bound by the Eastern Ghats in the north,

the Nilgiri, the Anamalai Hills, and Kerala on the west, by the Bay of Bengal

61 

in the east, the Gulf of Mannar, the Palk Strait in the south east, and by the

Indian Ocean in the south. Map 4.1 shows the location of Tamil Nadu in India.

Tamil Nadu is the eleventh largest state in India by area and the seventh

most populous state. It is the second largest state economy in India as of 2012.

The state ranked 6th among states in India according to the Human

Development Index as of 2011. Tamil Nadu is one of the most urbanized

states in India with 48.3% of its population living in urban areas. (Wikipedia)

4.1.1 Urbanization in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu state has experienced unique changes in its urban scenario during

the last census decade of 1991-2001. 363 towns have been added to the

existing urban settlements at the 2001 census. Thus, this state recorded the

highest percentage of urban population in 2001 (44% as compared to 28% at

the national level). The number of towns in Tamil Nadu from 469 in 1991 to

832 in 2001, which is unprecedented in any state. Due to this development, the

lower order settlements (that is Class IV to Class VI) experienced a spurt in

their contribution to total urban population.

Together, this class (that is class IV to VI) contributed only 7.64% in

1991, which increased to 19.8% of the total population in 2001. Though this

has been triggered by political and administrative decisions of upgrading the

civic status of many village panchayats to town panchayats and municipalities

(especially after the post-74th Constitutional Amendment Act period), it has

serious spatial, functional, financial and social implications. Some of these

issues have been captured by Sebastian Oliveau in his paper titled “Peri

Urbanization in Tamil Nadu: a quantitative approach”. Starting with ‘distance

from the urban centre’ as an important variable, Oliveau attempts to identify

the influence zone of the various population size class urban centres on their

periphery. By using multiple factors such as size, economic base, the extent of

modernization, civic status, and distance from road and rail head, Oliveau

concludes

and near

surroundi

settlemen

substantia

concerned

Table 4.1

In

Coimbato

State in 2

inhabitan

This pol

morpholo

in Tamil

June 201

challenge

of rural

percentag

 

s that the l

rness to ro

ing villag

nts with pu

al implicat

d.

1 Urbaniza

Tamil Nad

ore togethe

2001. Of t

nts) accoun

arization o

ogy of the s

Nadu from

13, a rapi

es going by

to urban

ge terms at

larger popu

oad and ra

ges more

urely agricu

tions for T

ation in Tam

du, the thre

er accommo

this Chenn

nted for 23

of populat

surroundin

m 1971 to 2

dly urban

y the indica

populatio

51.6 in vil

ulation size

ail head m

than sett

ulture or in

Tamil Nadu

mil Nadu f

ee metropo

odated 33.

nai urban a

3.6% of th

tion has i

ng urban sp

2001. Acco

izing Tam

ators in the

on has ne

llages and

e, service s

makes the

lements w

ndustrial ba

u as far as

from 1971 t

olitan centr

3% of the

agglomerat

he total urb

its spillov

pace. Table

ording to a

mil Nadu

e 2011 cens

early reach

48.4 in citi

sector base

urban cen

with less

ase. These

s the settle

to 2001

res of Chen

total urban

tion alone

ban popula

ver effect

e 4.1 depict

report in T

faces soci

sus abstrac

hed parity

ies.

e, municipa

ntre influe

population

findings w

ement stru

nnai, Madu

n populatio

(with 6.4

ation of th

and chan

ts the urban

The Hindu

ial and ec

ct report. T

y and sta

62 

al status

ence its

n, and,

will have

ucture is

urai and

on of the

million

he state.

ges the

nization

dated 1

conomic

The ratio

ands, in

63 

4.2 ABOUT CHENNAI METROPOLITAN AREA (CMA)

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the four metropolises and

fifth most populated city in India. Map 4.2 shows the location of Chennai in

Tamil Nadu. CMA comprises the area covered by Chennai City Corporation

(Chennai District), 16 Municipalities, 20 Town Panchayats and 214 villages

forming part of 10 Panchayat Unions in Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram Districts.

It extends over 1189 sq. kms., and has a population of 7.04 million as per 2001

census. It’s older name 'Madras' was officially changed to 'Chennai' in 1996.

Map 4.3 shows the Administrative Units of CMA.

Chennai is a major transportation hub for road, rail, air and sea

transport connecting major cities inland and abroad. Chennai is one of the

major educational centres in India with a number of colleges and research

institutions. Recently it has also been emerging as an important health city

with a large number of super specialty hospitals. Chennai is thus emerging as

an important metropolis in the South Asian region.

Map 4.2 Location of Chennai in Tamil Nadu

64 

Map 4.3 Administrative units in Chennai Metropolitan Area

4.2.1 Geographical Location of CMA

Chennai Metropolis [with latitude between 12_50'49" and 13_17'24", and

longitude between 79_59'53" and 80_20'12"] is located on the Coramandal

65 

coast in southern India and the land is a flat coastal plain. Three rivers viz.

Kosasthalaiyar, Cooum and Adyar pass through Chennai Metropolitan Area.

These rivers are placid and meander on their way to the sea. Buckingham

Canal, a man made canal, is another large waterway which runs north south

through this Metropolis. Sholavaram Lake, Red Hills Lake and

Chembarambakkam Lake are the three large lakes in the Area. Chennai lies

close to the equator and most of the year it is hot and humid.

Highest temperature attained in May-June is usually about 40°C for a

few days. The coldest time of the year is early January when the temperature

is about 20°C. Predominant wind direction is from South East to North West.

4.2.2 Heritage

Chennai is famous for its classical dance called Bharathanatyam and the

carnatic music season' event held every year during December and January is

one of the world’s longest cultural events attracting people not only from

various places in India but also from foreign countries. Chennai has a very

heterogeneous mix of architectural style ranging from ancient temples to

British colonial era buildings to the latest modern buildings. Most of the

buildings constructed during colonial era are of Indo-Saracenic style.

4.2.3 History

The site on which Madras is situated has a long history. Settlements existed in

the area of which Mylapore, Triplicane and Santhome were well known. The

geographer Ptolemy had recorded it in the second century AD that the port of

Mylapore was known to the Greeks and the Romans. The Port had a

flourishing trade with the Roman Empire and received considerable quantities

of gold in exchange for products like pepper and fine cloth. Mention has been

made of the early settlement of Santhome by Arab travelers and merchants of

the 9th and 10th centuries. Marcopolo visited this place in the late 13th

66 

Century and the Portuguese settled around Santhome in the early 16th

Century. According to a traditional account it was at Mylapore that

Thiruvalluvar, author of the famous Tirukkural-the universal Code of human

conductlived. Both Mylapore and Triplicane were important Hindu religious

centres and inscriptions dating back to the eighth century have been found in

the Triplicane Temple. The name of Madras is said to be derived from

Madraspatnam, a village that existed here prior to the settlement of the

English.

4.2.3.1 Madras in 1600

Madras in 1600 was formed of scattered settlements separated by long

distances. Each settlement grew around a nucleus of a temple and has its own

history. The most important area at that time was Mylapore. In Santhome, the

Portuguese, having originally arrived in 1522, constructed a fort and

settlement. Mylapore was an adjacent settlement with a newly constructed

temple. Triplicane on the north was a separate village.

There were small settlements in Purasawalkam,

Thiruvatteeswaranpetta, Egmore, Nungambakkam, and Saidapet. Among the

suburbs, Tiruvottiyur, Velachery, Tiruneermalai, Mangadu, Padi,

Poonamallee, Kunnathur, Ayanavarum, Vyasarpadi, Villivakkam, Ambattur,

Koyambedu etc. already existed. Each of these villages was self contained and

had its own agricultural production and household industries. The changing

rulers in the region never interfered with them; with the result that life in the

villages continued to exist without much change.

Important lines of communication linked these settlements. Egmore,

Purasawalkam and Aminjikarai lie along Poonamallee High Road. Triplicane

and Mylapore lie along a road leading to Tiruvanmiyur. These roads were just

earthen cart tracks. Within a few years of the founding of the British

settlement and the construction of a Fort at the site, the New Town, which had

67 

grown up around it, came to be known as Chennapatnam in honour of the

father of the local chieftain. This name was later applied to the whole city. The

population, which was 19,000 in 1646, expanded to 40,000 in 1669.

4.2.3.2 Madras in 1700

The Cooum River and the Elambore River or North River which flows into the

Cooum at its mouth were running very close to each other. A bridge was

constructed in 1710 across the cut between the two rivers.

Due to congestion inside the Fort, the British constructed some garden

houses in what is known as Peddanaickenpet. In 1733 there was a lot of

congestion in George Town and the weaving Community started settling in

Chintadripet area and Collepetta near Tiruvottiyur since abundant open space

was available for weaving. The washer men who were in the Mint area then

moved towards the west. The Potters from this area moved outside the Fort on

the north side and formed a new colony (Kosapet).

Because of the construction of a bridge in 1710 to connect Egmore,

people moved towards the present Moore Market area and settled. During this

time, the British found that Triplicane was a good area for settlement and a

large number of people moved there. The presence of the Nawab of Arcot

increased the economic prosperity of the area and more and more Muslims

settled in Triplicane. So from that time onwards, it grew in importance, second

only, to George Town. St. Thomas Mount gained religious importance and

Mount Road became prominent with the construction of Marmalong Bridge in

1724.

4.2.3.3 Madras in 1800

After the founding of the Corporation, conservancy and improvement of the

City were begun. The City was divided into 8 Divisions and the Government

selected 4 Commissioners from residents. The broad-gauge line from

68 

Royapuram to Arcot was laid in 1864. Central station was formed in 1872 and

linked to the main line. By 1861 the British authorities realised the necessity

of a harbour. A pier was constructed in 1862 and further development took

place from 1868 onwards.

The formation of Royapuram station in 1862 induced people to move

northwards and settle in Royapuram. This gave rise to the establishment of

some timber saw mills and depots in Royapuram after a few years. Further the

railway line passed through the present Perambur area, which had so far been

lying as swampy waste because of its low level. The introduction of the

railway line gave development potential to the hitherto uninhabited place.

From 1850 onwards, the necessity of providing recreational facilities was

perceived. Many parks such as the Peoples Park, Napier Park and Richardson

Park were created in this period. A Museum and a Zoo were also established.

Before 1800, the roads were in a radial pattern, but after 1810 ring

roads were developed inside the City. Mount Road was important and access

to it was given from Triplicane High Road, Chamiers Road, Edwards Elliot's

Road and Royapettah High Road. To the North of Mount Road, Pantheon

Road, Halls Road, Marshalls Road, Spur tank Road and Nungambakkam High

Road were formed to serve the new residential areas. Later Brick kiln Road

and Perambur Barracks Road connected Poonamallee High Road with Konnur

Road, which was extended towards the Railway. To facilitate trade the

harbour was completed in 1896 just to the east of George Town.

The city extended over an area of about 70 sq.kms. and had a

population of 5.40 lakhs in 1901. The demographic growth rates during the

previous two decades were 5 per cent and 6 per cent. Important buildings and

structures which are the land marks of the city such as the Fort, the Marina-the

road parallel to the sea-and the fronting public buildings, the High Court, the

Moore Market, the Connemara Public Library and other public buildings

69 

around it already existed. George Town was the main business centre but

substantial parts of it were used for residential purposes also.

The main residential areas however were Chintadripet, Triplicane,

Egmore, Mylapore, Purasawalkam, Vepery and Royapuram. Most of the areas

outside these settlements were covered by gardens and agricultural lands

interspersed with bungalows of the elite. Nungambakkam, Chetpet and

Kilpauk were some of the areas, which developed in this manner; Saidapet in

the southwest was a separate small settlement. Both sides of Mount Road to a

distance of 5 to 6 kms. from Fort St.George were occupied by large business

houses, clubs and hotels; industries were few and were located in George

Town or Perambur area. The three railway lines served the city from the north,

west and southwest.

4.2.3.4 The City in 1941

The population of the City increased to 8.6 lakhs by 1941. The city occupied

an area of about 80 sq.km. and its boundaries having been extended in 1923.

The important developments during the period 1901 and 1941 were the

commissioning of the electrified suburban metre-gauge railway between

Beach and Tambaram in 1931 which gave a fillip for the development of the

outlying suburban areas as far as Tambaram, and the development of the area

occupied by the long tank at Nungambakkam as a planned residential

neighbourhood by the Corporation. There were also considerable in filling

within the developed areas. The city had a good water supply system and most

of the areas were sewered. It had quick and cheap modes of transport by trams

and electric trains. The main roads were wide enough for the road traffic and

passed through shady avenues. By 1941 Madras had developed into a

provincial metropolis enjoying the best of both worlds -urban amenity and

rural atmosphere. It was still primarily an administrative and commercial

centre.

70 

4.2.3.5 The City in 1971

The thirty years between 1941 and 1971 saw tremendous growth in population

and economic activity in and around the City. The population first passed the

million marks around 1943 and then doubled itself in a short span of about

twenty years to cross, the two million mark. This happened in spite of two

adverse events, viz., the threat of Japanese invasion to Madras in 1944 and the

reconstitution of Madras Presidency on a linguistic basis in the fifties, when

Andhra, Mysore and Kerala states were formed. In 1950 the boundary of the

City was extended to cover 129 sq.kms. by the inclusion of Saidapet and

Sembium. This period also saw the growth of new residential as well as

industrial suburbs particularly on the west and south.

The main reasons for this fast growth can be attributed to the forces of

economic activity released after the country obtained independence. The five-

year plans and the impetus given by the industrial activity in the public sector

brought about the transformation of the City from that of a purely

administrative and commercial centre into a metropolis of national

importance. The major developments in the industrial field during the post

independence era have been, the location of a number of public sector

undertakings. This was followed by many private sector undertakings.

Concurrently this period saw the deterioration in water supply and drainage

services and mushrooming of many slum areas all over the city. The setting up

of the Tamil Nadu State Housing Board (TNHB) however, helped in the

creation of large residential areas like Anna Nagar on the west and Sastri

Nagar on the south.

The City’s boundary no longer remained well defined. The

developments extended into the adjoining areas, particularly, on the north up

to Ennore, west up to Avadi and south up to Vandalur. This growth did not

take place in a regulated manner nor did it correspond to the available

71 

infrastructure facilities. This fact coupled with the rapid growth of population

on the one hand and the increase in number of motor vehicles on the other has

given rise to the many problems faced by the Metropolis today.

4.2.4 Structure of the Metropolis in 2006

The Master Plan for CMA approved in 1976 proposed the structure of the

Metropolis taking into account various factors. The structure proposed was of

radial pattern with City as hub. The main elements of the strategy were:

(a) Restriction of density and population growth in the city

(b) Restriction of industrial and commercial developments within CMA

(c) Encouragement of growth along the major transport corridors and

development of urban nodes at Manali, Minjur, Ambattur, Avadi,

Alandur and Tambaram

(d) Dispersal of certain activities from Central Business District (CBD).

(e) Development of satellite towns, beyond CMA at Maraimalai Nagar,

Gumidipoondi and Thiruvallur.

The Master Plan included spatial plans for CMA with land use zoning

and set the urban form during the Plan period. TNHB has played a major role

in development of large scale neighbourhood schemes; Anna Nagar (about 5

Sq.km.), Ashok Nagar and K.K. Nagar (about 7 sq.km.), South Madras

Neighbourhood scheme comprising Indra Nagar, Sastri Nagar and Besant

Nagar (about 4 Sq.km.), etc. had come up with plots/flats meeting the

requirements of all sections of the society from HIG to EWS. Under MUDP-I

(1977-92), MUDP-II (1983-87) and TNUDP (1988-95) Neighbourhoods at

Arumbakkam, Mogappair, Villivakkam, Velachery, Kodungaiyur, Ambattur,

Avadi, and Madhavaram etc. were developed within the City and its suburbs.

These large-scale neighbourhood developments of TNHB with full

infrastructure acted as catalyst for private developments for residential use

around.

72 

A number of medium and small-scale industrial developments came up

in the areas zoned for industrial developments at Madhavaram, Vyasarpadi,

Kodungaiyur, Ambattur, Noombal and adjoining areas Pammal and

Perungudi. Industrial estates at Villivakkam, Thirumazhisai and Industrial

estate for women enterpreneurs were developed at Morai near Avadi.

Considering the demand, infrastructure availability, potential for industrial

developments, the lands along the Poonamallee bye-pass road near

Poonamallee Town in the west and Old Mamallapuram Road (from City limit

to Sholinganallur) in the south were comprehensively reclassified for

industrial use where a number of medium scale and small scale industries had

come up.

Though Vallalar Nagar (George Town) and Anna Salai area have

continued as CBD, Mylapore, Thyagaraya Nagar, Nungambakkam, and

Purasawalkam have developed as Regional Commercial Centres and Adyar,

Anna Nagar and Perambur have developed as Regional Commercial Sub-

Centres. Relocation of wholesale activities in Vegetable, Fruit and Flower

from CBD to Koyambedu and City bus stand from CBD to Koyambedu have

been carried out; Iron and Steel Market at Sathangadu was developed. Truck

terminal at Madhavaram was made operational. Major higher educational

institutions are located in the central part and southern part of the City and

they continued to expand within its premises. After 1980, a number of private

engineering and medical institutions have come up dotting the Metropolis.

4.2.5 Current Scenario

Chennai has become one of the preferred destinations for IT / ITES

companies. Tamilnadu is the second largest software exporter in the country,

and 90% of the export is from Chennai alone. A large number of IT / ITES

developments are located along the Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), the area

popularly known as IT Corridor. TIDEL PARK, a self contained IT Park

73 

developed with a total floor area of 2.5 million sq.ft. at Taramani houses all

the major players in IT Sector. These developments are spilling over in the

areas in the west along the 200ft. wide Pallavaram - Thoraipakkam Road, and

also along Velachery – Tambaram Road. In the large I.T Park (layout with all

required infrastructures, developed by government agency over an area of 868

acres) at Siruseri, a number of I.T.Parks are being located and will be fully

functional by 2007. Bio-tech Park at Taramani was developed by TICEL, and

a major bio-tech park came up at Sirucheri. These employment-generating

developments resulted in fast development of the areas in the west of the

corridor such as Medavakkam, Jalidampet, Perumbakkam, Vengai vasal,

Gowrivakkam, Rajakilpakkam etc. as residential areas.

Chennai is emerging as a major export hub in the South East Asia.

International car manufacturers such as Ford, Hyundai, and General Motor etc.

have established around Chennai their manufacturing bases to cater to

domestic and international markets. New testing and homologation centre for

automobile sector with an investment over Rs. 1000 cr. is being established in

this region. Saint Gobain glass factory, Nokia cell phone manufacturing

industry at Sriperumbudur, and Mahindra Industrial Park developed over 1700

acres, near Maraimalai Nagar new town are some of the major developments

around Chennai. All these developments made considerable impact on the

structure of this Metropolis.

Dynamism of the peripheral areas has been captured by Pushpa

Arabindoo by comparing the changes that have occurred over a period of time

in terms of socio-spatial transformations in two peri-urban neighbourhoods –

Valmiki Nagar and Neelangarai. She emphatically proves that global

capitalism in association with local authorities has dictated the changes in

these two neighbourhoods that are characterized by the post-modern features

of pluralism, segmentation and multiplicity. By embarking on a comparative

analysis of pre- and post-1978 periods, Arabindoo has evidenced two kinds of

74 

peripheral developments: one in which posh peripheral settlements gave way

to heterogeneous periphery neighbourhoods; and in the second, where the

lower middle class and migrant housing gave way to the show of global

capitalistic features, such as seaside resorts, expatriate housing, etc. Arabindoo

emphasizes that these spatial and social changes have made the peri-urban

areas ‘pawns’, in the hands of the predatory metropolitan planning authorities

who like to gamble this space for real estate ventures in partnership with

privatized and globalized agents/actors leaving behind the lower middle class

and also the Panchayat unions as silent spectators for this new form of

invasion.

Map 4.4 Growth of Chennai since 1633

75 

Map 4.5 Growth of Chennai since 1963

As per the report in The Hindu dated 1 June 2013, Chennai is the most

densely populated city in Tamil Nadu, and by a very large haul at that

according to a census 2011 abstract. Chennai seems to be the epicenter of the

urban growth in the state – with spillovers most visible in the neighbouring

districts of Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram. Map 4.4 shows the growth of

Chennai since 1633. Map 4.5 shows the growth of Chennai since 1963. Map

4.6 shows the change in urbanization in CMA from 1973 – 2006.

76 

Map 4.6 Changes in urbanization in CMA from 1973 to 2006

4.2.6 Maj

Developm

Major ag

Chennai M

Table 4.2

Source: 2

jor Agenc

ment

gencies inv

Metropolit

2 Details o

2nd Master

cies Involv

volved in t

tan Area ar

f major age

r plan, prep

ved in the I

the infrast

re listed in

encies in C

pared by CM

Infrastruc

tructure pl

Table 4.2

CMA and th

MDA.

cture Plann

anning and

heir respon

ning and

d developm

nsibilities

77 

ment in

4.2.7 Pop

4.2.7.1 C

Chennai

constitute

populatio

32.85 lak

2001 resp

bodies wi

Table 4.3

It

experienc

indicates

the avera

most of th

these are

residentia

pulation

urrent Sce

has a long

ed in 1798

on of 5.40

khs, 38.43

pectively.

ithin CMA

3 Growth o

is observ

ced higher

that the ci

age gross d

he municip

eas offer

al nodes in

enario

g history

8. City exte

lakhs. Sin

lakhs and

The growt

A is given in

of populatio

ved that th

r growth r

ty has the

density in C

pal areas a

high poten

future.

since 1639

ending ove

nce 1941,

43.43 lak

th of popu

n Table 4.3

on in CMA

he munici

rate than t

highest gro

CMA is on

and Town P

ntial for g

9. The Ch

er an area

it had gro

khs in the y

ulation in C

3.

A

ipalities an

that of the

oss density

nly 59 pers

Panchayats

growth an

hennai city

of 68 sq.k

own rapidl

years 1971

Chennai cit

nd Town

e city. Th

y of 247 pe

ons/ha. Th

s is very lo

nd would

y corporati

km in 190

ly to 26.42

1, 1981, 19

ty and oth

Panchayat

he density

ersons/ha, w

he gross de

ow, indicat

be the re

78 

ion was

1 had a

2 lakhs,

991 and

her local

ts have

pattern

whereas

ensity in

ting that

eceiving

4.2.7.2 Po

Populatio

trends. It

2026, of

populatio

Table 4.4

4.2.8 Mig

The cosm

groups fr

surroundi

northern

distinctiv

this Chen

An

Chennai

City in 19

natural in

increase w

migration

opulation

on projecti

t is estimat

f which C

on projectio

4 Projected

gration

mopolitan n

rom all ov

ing Tamil

India. Th

ve mark on

nnai Metrop

n interestin

City to its

991 was 38

ncrease of

works out

n of 10 lak

Projection

ions have

ted that CM

Chennai ci

on of CMA

d populatio

nature of C

er India. M

and Telug

hese migra

n the patter

polis.

ng and im

s suburbs a

8.43 lakhs

f 6.40 lakh

to only 5.

khs (30.4%

n

been carr

MA would

ity alone

A is given i

on for CMA

Chennai is

Migrants ca

gu speakin

ant groups

rns of resid

mportant f

and other

which inc

h (for 198

.59 lakhs w

% of 1981

ried out fo

d house a

would ac

n Table 4.4

A and Chen

a result of

ame not o

ng areas, b

s from oth

dential and

fact found

areas. The

clude 9.18 l

81-91) pop

which show

population

or CMA b

population

ccount for

4.

nnai city

f its attracti

nly predom

but also fr

her states

d social org

is the ou

e populatio

lakh migra

pulation; th

ws that the

n) from C

based on t

n of 126 la

r 58 Lakh

iveness to

minantly fr

rom southe

have mad

ganisations

ut-migratio

on of the C

ant populat

he net pop

ere was a n

City (during

79 

the past

akhs by

hs. The

migrant

from the

ern and

de their

s within

on from

Chennai

tion and

pulation

net out-

g 1981-

80 

1991). Similarly, an out-migration of 10.19 lakhs (26.5% of the 1991

population) is noted during 1991-2001. Though there were large-scale

building construction activities noted during the above periods, the out-

migration of resident population from Chennai City proves that considerable

conversion of residential premises into non-residential mostly for office,

shopping, hotels and other commercial purposes took place; this trend will

continue in this metropolis.

4.2.9 Economy

Chennai City alone accounts for 10.94 percent of the State income. The

income in the areas of Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur District, which fall

within CMA, based on proportion of population, roughly, has been estimated

at 2.8 percent and 2.5 percent respectively. These show that CMA accounts for

16.21 percent of the State income from all sectors.

Chennai and Kancheepuram together contribute about 26% of

employment in organized sector to the State total in 2002-03. Of the total

public sector employment, the employment opportunity in Chennai and

Kancheepuram Districts are 20% and 7% respectively in 2002-03. The

percentage of the same in private sector in Chennai and Kancheepuram

Districts are 7.8 and 15.9

Major industries in CMA are automobile and transport equipment

manufacture and their ancillary industries, railway coach building, petro

chemicals and fertilizers, automotive tyres, bicycles, electrical and other

machinery, and leather products. Some of the large units are located at Ennore,

Thiruvottiyur, Manali, Sembiam, Padi, Ambattur, and Porur and along GST

Road apart from the Integral Coach Factory at Perambur, and Heavy Vehicles

Factory at Avadi. Many small and medium scale industries are located at

Vyasarpadi, Ambattur, Villivakkam, Guindy and Thirumazhisai and industrial

estates at Madhavaram, Kodungaiyur, Poonamallee, Noombal, Perungudi,

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Seevaram and Sholinganallur. Simpson, Addison and TVS industries are

located in the heart of the City along Anna Salai. MEPZ spreading over an

area of 261 acres is functioning at Tambaram. Leather tanneries and leather

based industries are located at Pammal and Madhavaram. Thermal Power

Plants are located at Basin Bridge and Ennore. Many of the smaller units are

scattered in various parts of the Chennai City and the rest of CMA. Industrial

estate for leather goods is being developed at Thirumudivakkam.

Chennai is perhaps the only city in India to have all the top 10 IT

Indian multinational companies and the 3 IT majors viz. Infosys, Tata

Consultancy Services Ltd and Wipro which have acquired lands in and around

Chennai to meet their expansion plans. The Tidal Park I and the IT Park at

Siruseri have already been developed in Chennai and its environs. The Tidel

Park I is fully functional. The private IT developers have been enthused to

build enough IT space and the Government is certain of creating 2.5 million

sq.ft of IT space in private as well as in public sectors in the coming years to

meet the growing requirements of national and international clients. The first

phase of Knowledge Industrial Township is being planned by a special

purpose vehicle viz. ELCOT Infrastructure Ltd. in Sholinganallur along the IT

Corridor.

Industries have also been developed along important transport corridors

in all directions, north, west and south. In the north, large industrial units are

located at Ennore, Thiruvottiyur and Manali. Industrial estates are located at

Madhavaram, Kodungaiyur and Gummipoondi. Important industrial locations

in the west include Ambattur, Padi and Sembiam. Integral coach factory at

Perambur and heavy vehicles factory at Avadi are important industries under

public sector. Many small and medium scale industries are located at

Ambattur, Villivakkam, Thirumazhisai, Poonamallee and Noombal. Thermal

power plant is located at Basin bridge. Hyundai car factory at Sriperumbudur,

Hindustan Earth Movers at Thiruvallur and automobile industries at

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Irugattukottai are other important industries. In the south most of the industries

are located along the G.S.T Road (NH45). Simpson, Addison and TVS

industries are located in the heart of the City along Anna Salai. Madras Export

Processing Zone (MEPZ) spread over an area of 105 hectares is located at

Tambaram. Leather tanneries and leather-based industries are located near

Tambaram. Industrial estate for leather goods is being developed at

Thirumudivakkam.

4.2.10 Traffic and Transportation

While the urban rail network development is carried out by the Southern

Railway, the major arterial & sub-arterial road corridors and other roads are

developed and maintained by Highways Department and the local bodies

concerned respectively. The roads within the local body areas are improved

and maintained by the Directorate of Municipal Administration, Directorate of

Town Panchayats and Directorate of Rural Development through the local

bodies concerned. As regards traffic management and enforcement, the same

is looked after by the City Traffic Police in respect of Greater Chennai Area

and District Police for the rest of the CMA. The public bus transport is with

Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC)

4.2.10.1 Road Network

The road network of Chennai is dominated by a radial pattern converging at

George Town, which is the main Central Business District (CBD) of the

CMA. The road network is primarily based on the four National Highways,

leading to Calcutta (NH5), Bangalore (NH4), Thiruvallur (NH 205) and

Trichy (NH 45). In addition to these, Arcot Road, Kamarajar Salai,

Thiruvottiyur High Road, Rajiv Gandhi Salai (Old Mahabalipurm Road) and

East Coast Road are the other important radial roads in CMA.

83 

4.2.10.2 Rail Network

The commuter rail system in CMA operated by the Southern Railways

consists of 3 lines:

• Chennai Beach - Tambaram BG line running south-west

• Chennai Central - Thiruvallur BG line running west and

• Chennai Central - Gummidipoondi BG line running north

These lines radiate from the city-centre. These 3 lines together account

for 300,000 commuter trips per day. While the first two corridors carry

intercity passengers on separate dedicated lines, the third corridor carries both

commuters and intercity passengers on the same lines. In addition, the Phase 1

& Phase 2 of MRTS are currently in operation traversing a length of more than

15 km covering the residential and IT corridor on the south eastern side of the

city. Also, The Metro Rail Project, which would be a landmark in the city’s

transportation is under progress

4.2.10.3 Bus Transport

The bus transport is being operated by Metropolitan Transport Corporation

(MTC), which had a fleet strength of 2,773 buses in 2004. They operate 537

routes and carry 36 lakhs trips/day.

There is acute overcrowding in buses during peak hours. The

overloading is as high as 150% in certain routes as the supply is inadequate.

As a result, overcrowding at the bus stops and spillover on the carriageways

has become common. The waiting time at the bus stops has also increased.

Map 4.7 shows the major road network in CMA.

84 

Map 4.7 Major road network in CMA

4.2.11 Shelter

The gap between households and housing units in 2001 was of the order of

36,000 units in the Chennai Metropolitan Area while in the City it was much

less. 75% of the houses are with roof made up of brick, stone, concrete and

85 

other materials of pucca nature, about 15% are with semi-pucca roofing

materials such as tiles, slate, G.I. metal sheets and asbestos cement sheets, and

about 10% are with ‘Kutcha’ materials such as thatched, bamboo etc.

According to Census, 2001, about 71% of households live in less than

three roomed housing units

Chennai City has a slum population of 819,872, which constitutes about

19% of the City Population.

The principal stakeholders in providing housing in Chennai area are

TNHB and TNSCB in the public sector. In the private sector builders

including corporate builders and individuals are the chief contributors. Only

the public sector has been involved in the housing of EWS and Low Income

Groups, which constitute nearly 65% of the households.

4.2.12 Infrastructure

4.2.12.1 Water Supply

In Chennai City, Chennai Municipal Corporation was responsible for

construction, operation and maintenance of water supply system till August

1978. It was transferred to the (then newly formed) CMWSSB with all assets

and liabilities. The major supply sources viz. Poondi reservoir, Cholavaram

lake and Redhills lake are under the control of the State PWD (Irrigation);

further the PWD (Ground Water Cell) is responsible for the investigation of

ground water resources within CMA to augment supplies.

In the rest of the CMA, construction and water supply schemes were

undertaken mostly by TWAD Board at the cost of the local body concerned

and after completion, transferred to the local body for future operation and

maintenance. CMWSSB is now planning to cover these areas with water

supply and sewerage services. Potable water supply system exists almost in all

the municipalities with CMA. Alandur, Pallavaram, Tambaram, Anakaputhur

and Pammal Municipalities have water from Palar River as source, and other

86 

municipalities have CMWSSB bulk supply or the ground water as source.

Water supply in Panchayat areas are concerned, it is by local wells and public

taps.

4.2.12.2 Rain Water Harvesting

The importance for conservation of water and rainwater harvesting was

understood and due consideration and thrust were given from early 90's itself

in Chennai. While issuing Planning Permission for construction of major

developments such as flats, residential developments, office, shopping and

other commercial complexes, the condition to provide rain water-harvesting

structures within the premises was imposed and ensured to be provided before

issue of Completion Certificates. Provision of rainwater structures in all types

of developments, irrespective of size or use was made mandatory by amending

DCR and Building Byelaws in the year 2001, not only for the buildings

proposed to be constructed but also for all the existing buildings. After

implementation of this scheme widely in CMA, a significant increase in the

ground water levels and also quality of ground water was noted.

In 2001, it was also made mandatory that all centrally air-conditioned

buildings shall have their own wastewater reclamation plant and shall use

reclaimed wastewater for cooling purposes.

4.2.12.3 Sewerage

Chennai City Sewerage System was designed in 1910 for an estimated 1961

population of 6.6 lakhs at the rate of 114 lpcd, as a separate system. The

system then allowed for admission of storm water from house courtyards and

roofs through gullies. The city was divided as north, west and south drainage

areas and sewage from each area was collected by relay pumping and

conveyed to the pumping stations at Napier Park, Purasawalkam and

Royapuram, and finally discharged into the sea at Kasimedu out-fall.

87 

Kodungaiyur sewage farm was developed in 1956 and a portion of the sewage

collected at Purasawalkam pumping station was discharged through force

mains to Kodungaiyur farm.

A comprehensive improvements to the city sewerage system was

designed in 1958 for an estimated 1976 population of 25.5 lakhs and 1991

population of 27.2 lakhs at a sewage flow rate of 110 lpcd in 1976 and 180

lpcd in 1991; the City was also divided into five zones with proposals for five

independent disposal works. It was planned to isolate the system of collection,

transmission and disposal of sewage in each zone in order to obviate the

difficulties of the relay system.

In the present Chennai City Corporation area of 176 sq.km., the

sewerage system now covers 99% of the city area. There are 5,15,560 sewer

connections as on date to serve the population of Chennai City through a

network of 2,663 kms of sewer and 180 sewage pumping stations. For the

purpose of planning Sewage System, the Metro Water has divided the CMA

into four categories as Chennai City, adjoining urbanized areas classified as

Adjacent Urban Areas (AUA), Distant Urbanized Areas (DUA) and Rural

Areas

4.2.13 Social Facilities

4.2.13.1 Education

In Chennai, being the State capital, the educational facilities available are of

high and specialized when comparing the rest of the State. In CMA, most of

the middle schools include primary classes, high schools include middle and

primary classes and the higher secondary schools include primary, middle and

high school classes. It is provided both by private and public (State and

Central Governments, local bodies). A primary school for about 5000

population (370 school going children of that group), a high school for 7000

population (732 school going children of that age group) and a higher

88 

secondary school for10,000 population (210 school going children of that age

group) is available as per 2001 Census. Collegiate, technical and other

professional higher educational institutions in CMA are concerned, it serves

not only the CMA region, but also the state level apart from the national level

for certain specialized fields.

4.2.13.2 Health

Chennai has established itself as the health Capital of the country and is fast

becoming the health destination of choice for people all over the world with its

excellent facility, competent specialist and good nursing care.

In Chennai there are 3 major Government Hospitals. Government

agencies involved in provision of health infrastructure are Directorate of

Medical Education, Directorate of Public health and Preventive Medicine,

Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services, Directorate of Family

Welfare, Directorate of Drugs Control, Commissionarate of Indian Medicine

and Homeopathy, Tamil Nadu State Health Transport Dept.

A large number of private hospitals deliver health care in CMA, Apollo

Hospitals, Sri Ramachandra Medical College Hospital, Malar Hospital, Vijaya

Hospital, Devaki hospital, CSI Rainy Hospital, CSI Kalyani Hospital etc. are

the major hospitals. According to the approved Government list, there are 130

private hospitals function in the City area itself.

In the rest of CMA, there are 10 primary health centers functioning at

Minjur, Naravarikuppam, Avadi, Medavakkam, Porur, Poonamallee, Manali

New Town, Madhavaram, Pozhichalur and Pudur. The existing facilities

particularly the specialized & higher order ones are concerned, it serves not

only the CMA population, but also the rest of Tamil Nadu and the adjoining

states population; as regards private sector, it attracts patients from all over

India and also some of the foreign countries.

89 

4.2.13.3 Recreation

Chennai is endowed with the second longest straight sandy breach in the

world, called Marina. Elliots Beach, another major beach in Chennai attracts

large number of people. Thiruvanmiyur Beach, Kottivakkam Beach,

Neelankarai Beach and small beaches at Thiruvottiyur are also being used by

people in those areas. These beaches are used by the people throughout the

year and the Marina & Elliots Beaches attract thousands of people every day.

In Chennai City, there are about 195 parks with extent varying from

150 sq.m. to 3.5 hectares and totaling to more than 60 hectares. Playgrounds

maintained by the Chennai Municipal Corporation is concerned, it is more

than 200 nos., with a total extent exceeding 50 hectares. In the rest of CMA,

unlike the City, the parks & playfields are a very few.

CMA also boasts a number of Theme Parks developed commercially in

and around CMA, which attracts not only the local population but also

tourists. CMA is dotted with a number of lakes (with minimum water spread

in non monsoon seasons), which may be developed as recreational spaces in a

planned way taking into account its environmental aspects also. It will not

only help in conserving these water bodies but also preventing encroachments

and pollution.

4.2.14 Solid Waste Management

Chennai Corporation is the responsible agency for solid waste management in

the City Corporation area. Chennai Corporation area is divided into 10 zones

and each zone is further sub-divided into about 15 Divisions totaling to 155

Divisions. Conservancy responsibility has been delegated to Zonal officials in

City Corporation. According to Census 2001, the population of the City was

43.43 lakhs and the average per capita solid waste generated within the City is

estimated to be about 585 grams. It has been estimated that 3000 tonnes of

90 

solid waste is generated in these 10 zones in the City area daily and in addition

Chennai Corporation also handles about 500 tonnes of debris.

NGO's in cooperation with Municipal Corporation are assisting

communities to collect solid waste through community based arrangement in

some areas of the City. Municipal Corporation provides street sweepings and

scientific collections throughout the City.Solid waste from the Chennai

Corporation area is taken to the transfer stations and from there it is finally

disposed off at two designated disposal sites viz. Kodungaiyur located at

northern part of City and Perungudi an adjoining village in the south. Both the

sites are located in low lying areas and are adjacent to the Metro Water

Sewage Treatment Works. The extent of the Kodungaiyur landfill site is 182

hectares and the Perungudi land site is 142 hectares. In the Rest of Chennai

Metropolitan Area, All solid waste management functions are the

responsibility of the executive authorities of the local bodies namely

municipalities, town panchayats, and village panchayats.

4.2.15 Land Use & Spatial Strategy

The urban form of Chennai Metropolitan Area has been dictated by

developments along the major roads and rail links radiating from the center of

Chennai.

The urban form has developed in the shape of a half star with

interspersed green wedges. These green wedges are getting filled up due to

improved accessibility created through construction of ring roads during the

last decade.

The development actions in an around the city are expected to modify

the form from the half star mentioned earlier to concentric half circles

engulfing the green wedges that had been left undeveloped earlier. The urban

structure beyond the City limits is also expected to shift from a predominantly

91 

low-density low-rise development to medium density developments

interspersed with high-rise buildings.

The Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area came into force from

5.8.75 from the date of notification of the Government consent for the plan.

The Master Plan laid down policies and programmes for the overall

development of the CMA. The land use plan designated the use to which every

parcel of land in CMA could be put to. The land use plan was enforced

through a set of regulations under Development Control Rules, which formed

part of the master plan.

Chennai is one of the high-density cities in India. Its density varies

from 180 persons per hec. in Saidapet and Mylapore Corporation zones and

368 persons per hec. in Kodambakkam zone within the Corporation limits and

the gross density for Chennai City is 247 persons per hec. FSI is the main tool

used in urban planning to regulate the densities of population with reference to

infrastructure provision. The existing developments in Chennai can be

categorized as high dense medium raised developments mostly of buildings up

to 15 m. heights. FSI allowed for such development up to 15 m. height

presently is maximum 1.5.

Density of population needs to be regulated for various reasons

including carrying capacity of infrastructure (existing as well as proposed),

sociological reasons such as crime rate etc and other physical factors. Map 4.8

shows the land use planning for 1973 for CMA. Map 4.9 shows the land use

planning for 2006 for CMA.

92 

Map 4.8 Chennai Metropolitan Area – Land use 1973

93 

Map 4.9 Chennai Metropolitan Area – Existing land use 2006

94 

4.3 FINDINGS FROM THE STUDY

The urbanization in CMA is taking place at a faster pace. Development is

taking place in the city and outside the city. Concerned regulatory authorities

are trying their best to control and regularize the urban growth. The study

helped in understanding the development trends, particularly in recent years

and the reasons for the same. It also helped in identifying the potential areas

for future development and also plan for the future directions of growth taking

into account of all the relevant planning aspects. The Second master plan for

CMA gives elaborate information on the different physical, social and

economic aspects like shelter, infrastructure, land use, transportation, etc.

However, most of the data given in depth focus on the Chennai City and not

much focus is given to the rest of CMA.

As already mentioned in Chapter three, urbanization is taking place in

Indian cities in par with what is happening worldwide. It is happening at a

faster pace and the urban expansion is taking place toward the outward city

limits i.e to PUAs as an effect of it. The data in Second Master Plan for CMA

did not cover much about the peri urban areas of CMA, the researcher

proceeded further to in depth study of the peri urban areas in Chennai.

After understanding the administrative units of CMA, the PUAs of

CMA have been delimited for further study based on the secondary data

collected from Census of India for four decades (1971, 1981, 1991, 2001).

This process is elaborated in the latter half of this chapter.

4.4 PERI-URBANIZATION IN CHENNAI

Even though the population growth of Chennai has been declining, it is

increasing in the suburban area rapidly. As a result, the inhabitants’ demand is

higher and higher. At present, not every domestic consumer has access to

drinking water during the entire year: this is especially true in the slums and

95 

informal settlements which represent about 30% of the population in Chennai

(Joel et al.).

Kamala Marius – in her study a ‘new economic activities and

metropolitan restructuring the case of southern periphery of Chennai’ proved

in the study that process of current globalisation affecting the metropolis of the

south, the implementation of new economic activities or reorganization of

established activities on the periphery favoured by local and national

authorities, has a direct impact on metropolitan restructuring.

A study on Process of Peri Urban Formulation In Chennai Metropolitan

Area at Anna University, Chennai (2004) reveals the following:

• The level of infrastructure available in a settlement is responsible for

the rate of growth of a rural settlement to get transformed in to a

Periurban area. Particularly, higher education facilities, health facilities,

banking and shopping facility attract more developments and the

Periurban transformation is quicker. This is further evidenced in the

literacy level and the general income level prevailing in the settlement.

• Establishment of farm houses in large pieces of land was the trend a

few years back. However with the increasing pressure on land for

development, many farm houses have vanished in the Periurban

settlements

• The interdependence among the rural Periurban and urban settlements

is highly pronounced. Rural settlements depend on the immediate

Periurban settlements and the Periurban settlements depend on major

urban settlements for work, education and health facilities. For higher

levels of activity involving specialized jobs, higher education,

specialized health services and shopping of valuable items. The city

continues to attract work trips, education trips and shopping trips.

• Periurban settlements are often not self contained development. They

continue to depend on the main city for jobs and specialized purposes.

96 

The traffic generated towards the city form a telescoping pattern along

the available few major transportation corridors. The flow increased

from the periphery of the city where Periurban settlements are

predominant towards the city. As the city roads are already clogged, the

traffic from the Periurban and urban settlements further aggravate the

situation. The primary reason is while the transportation corridors were

instrumental for development, the same corridors are stressed beyond

the handling capacity at reasonable speed. This means that Periurban

transformation has increased the distance of travel and not the change

in the direction of travel. This has become a major challenge for the

transportation planners.

Census 2011 data confirms that population growth within Chennai

District has slowed, while in the adjacent districts of Kanchipuram and

Tiruvallur, it has increased. (The Hindu – 17 April 2013)

Areas outside the CMA are witnessing rapid development and there is a

need to integrate these developments with Chennai (Thiru R. Vaithilingam,

Minister for housing and urban development, 2011)

4.5 DETAILS OF ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS IN CMA

The Chennai Metropolitan Area includes 1189 sq. km.:

• Chennai city, “municipal corporation” (Chennai Municipal

Corporation), 176sq.km.

• 16 “municipalities” which don’t have the same level of infrastructure as

the town, but which remain classified as cities, 240 sq.km.

• 20 town panchayat, 156 sq.km.

• 214 village panchayat include 10 Panchayat Unions, 617 sq.km.

The metropolitan area (CMA) therefore includes the Chennai district,

which corresponds to Chennai city (CMC), as well as parts of the districts of

Thiruvallur (58% of this population) and of Kancheepuram (38.6% of this

97 

population). Map 4.10 shows the administrative units in Chennai Metropolitan

Area. Out of the ten Panchayat Unions, 6 Panchayat Unions come under

Tiruvallur District and are covered in Taluks Ambattur (2 Panchayat unions),

Ponneri (2 Panchayat unions), Tiruvallur (1 Panchayat union), Poonamallee (1

Panchayat union). The other four Panchayat unions come under Kanchipuram

district and are covered under Taluks Sriperumbudur (2 Panchayat unions),

Tambaram (1 Panchayat unions) and Chengelpet (1 Panchayat unions).

Figure 4.1 Administrative units of Chennai Metropolitan Area

Figure 4.1 shows the administrative units in Chennai metropolitan units

in Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA). Tables 4.5 to 4.16 give the details of

administrative units in Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA)

98 

Map 4.10 Administrative units in Chennai Metropolitan Area

99 

Table 4.5 List of municipalities and town panchayats in CMA 

Municipalities Town panchayats

1. Kathivakkam 1. Minjur

2. Thiruvottiyur 2. Chinnasekkadu

3. Madhavaram 3. Puzhal

4. Ambattur 4. Naravarikuppam

5. Avadi 5. Tirunindravur

6. Poonamalle 6. Porur

7. Tiruverkadu 7. Thirumazhisai

8. Maduravoyal 8. Mangadu

9. Valasaravakkam 9. Nandambakkam

10. Alandur 10. Meenambakkam

11. Ullagaram-Puzhithivakkam 11. Kundrathur

12. Anakaputhur 12. Thiruneermalai

13. Pammal 13. Perungulathur

14. Pallavaram 14. Peerkankaranai

15. Tambaram 15. Chitlapakkam

16. Manali 16. Sembakkam

17. Madambakkam

18. Perungudi

19. Pallikkaranai

20. Sholinganallur

Table 4.6 List of Panchayat Unions in CMA

Panchayat Unions No. of Villages Taluk District

Minjur 4 Ponneri

Tiruvallur Sholavaram 41

Puzhal 28 Ambattur

100 

Villivakkam 25

Thiruvallur 1 Tiruvallur

Poonamallee 42 Poonamallee

Kundrathur 30 Sriperumbudur

Kanchipuram Sriperumbudur 4

St.Thomas Mount 33 Tambaram

. Kattankulathur 6 Chengalpattu

Tables 4.7 to 4.16 show the villages coming under CMA.

Table 4.7 Villages in the Panchayat Union of Minjur in Ponneri Taluk

1. Vallur 3. Ennor

2. Athipattu 4. Nandiyambakkam

Table 4.8 Villages in the Panchayat Union of Sholavaram in Ponneri Taluk

1. Alamadi 21.Sholavaram

2.Attanthangal 22.Palayaerumaivettipalayam

3.Vijayanallur 23.Erumaivettipalayam

4.Sembilivaram 24.Athur

5.Siruniyam 25.Karanodai

6.Pannivakkam 26.Sothuperumbedu

7.Padiyanallur 27.Orakkadu

8.Southapakkam 28.Surapattu

9.Melsingilimedu 29.Sekkanjeri

10.Perungavur 30.Nerkundram

11.Edayanchavadi 31.Girudalapuram

12.Vichoor 32.Pudur

13.Vellivoyal 33.Nayar

14.Thirunilai 34.Mahfuskhanpettai

101 

15.Kodipallam 35.Pudupakkam

16.Arumandai 36.Periyamulaivoyal

17.Kandigai 37.Chinnamulaivoyal

18.Marambedu 38.Valuthugaimedu

19.Kummanur 39.Madaiyur

20.Angadu 40.Seemapuram

41.Nallur

Table 4.9 Villages in the Panchayat Union of Puzhal (Ambattur Taluk)

1.Sadayankuppam 15. Alinjivakkam

2.Kadapakkam 16. Payasambakkam

3.Ariyalur 17. Chettimedu

4.Thiyambakkam 18.Vadaperumbakkam

5.Sandrambakkam 19.Kosapur

6.Sirugavoor 20. Elanthancheri

7.Vilangadupakkam 21. Mathur

8.Palavoyal 22. Manjambakkam

9.Thiruthakiriyampattu 23.Vittakkupatti

10.Layon Pullion 24.Surapattu

11.Athivakkam 25. Kathirvedu

12.Vadagari 26. Puthagaram

13.Tundakalani

14.Layon Grant

Table 4.10 Villages in the Panchayat Union of Villivakkam in Ambattur

Taluk

1. Pammadukularm 14. Velacheri

2. Pottur 15. Palavedu

3. Vellanur 16. Nolambur

102 

4. Morai 17. Adayalampattu

5. Pulikutti 18. Sivabudam

6. Tenambakkam 19. Chettiyaragaram

7. Melpakkam 20. Thadalam

8.Arakkambakkam 21. Vanagaram

9.Pandeswaram 22. Karambakkam

10.Kadavur 23. Ayapakkam

11.Karlapakkam 24. Nerkundram

12.Keelakandaiyur 25. Ramapuram

13.Alathur

Table 4.11 Villages in the Panchayat Union of Tiruvallur in Tiruvallur Taluk

1.Pakkam

Table 4.12 Villages in the Panchayat Union of Poonamallee in Poonamallee

Taluk

1. Sorancheri 22. Neman

2.Ayalcheri 23. Thirumalarajapuram

3.Anaikattucheri 24. Kuttambakkam

4.Kannapalayam 25. Palanjur

5.Melpakkam 26. Parvatharajapuram

6.Parivakkam 27. Narasingapuram

7.Panaveduthottam 28. Vellavedu

8.Pidarithangal 29. Melmanambedu

9.Kolappancheri 30. Mothirambedu

10.Chookanallur 31. Thirukovilpattu

11.Vayalanallur 32. Kilmanambedu

12.Thirumanam 33. Kavalcheri

13.Amudurmedu 34. Ariyappancheri

103 

14.Karunakaracheri 35. Nazarathpettai

15.Nemilicheri 36. Varadharajapuram

16.Nadukuttagai 37. Mel Agaram

17.Annambedu 38. Meppur

18.Agraharam 39. Chembarambakkam

19.Sittukadu

20.Korattur

21.Nochimedu

Table 4.13 Villages in the Panchayat Union of Kunrathur in Sriperumbudur

Taluk

1. Chinnapanicheri 17.Chikkarayapuram

2. Paranipputhur 18.Kulamanivakkam

3.Kulathuvancheri 19.Malayambakam

4.Srinivasapuram 20.Kollaicheri

5.Kattupakkam 21.Thandalam

6.Goparasanallur 22.Tharapakkam

7.Ayyappanthangal 23.Rentankattalai

8.Thelliyaragaram 24.Kavanur

9.Moulivakkam 25.Sirkulathur

10.Madanandapuram 26.Nandambakkam

11.Mugalivakkam 27.Poonthandalam

12.Manaoakkam 28.Palanthandalam

13.Alapakkam 29.Thirumudivakkam

14.Gerugambakkam 30.Erumaiyur

15.Periyapanicheri 31.Varadharajapuram

16.Kovur 32.Naduveerapattu

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Table 4.14 Villages in the Panchayat Union of Sriperumbudur in

Sriperumbudur Taluk

1. Chembarambakkam (Tank Portion) 3. Kattirambakkam (Tank Portion)

2. Daravur 4. Chettipattu

Table 4.15 Villages in the Panchayat Union of St. Thomas Mount in

Tambaram Taluk

1. Cowl Bazaar 17. Meppedu

2. Polichalur 18. Thiruvanjeri

3. Tirusulam 19. Vengavasal

4. Kottivakkam 20. Kasapapuram

5. Palavakkam 21. Vengambakkam

6. Neelangarai 22. Agaramten

7. Injambakkam 23. Kovilancheri

8. Karapakkam 24. Chittalapakkam

9. Okkiyamthuraipakkam 25. Maduraipakkam

10. Medavakkam 26. Mulacheri

11. Nenmangalam 27. Ottiyampakkam

12. Kulathur 28. Arasankalani

13. Mdipakkam (excluding

Puzhithivakkam) 29. Perumbakkam

14. Perundavakkam 30. Perumbakkam

15. Muvarasampatti 31. Jalladampettai

16. Mudichur 32. Semmancheri

33. Uthandi

 

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Table 4.16 Villages in the Panchayat Union of Kattankolathur in Chengelpet

Taluk

1. Mannivakkam 4.Nedunkundram

2.Vandalur 5.Puthur

3.Kilambakkam 6.Kulapakkam

4.6 DELIMITING THE STUDY AREA

Since the focus are of the research is in Peri Urban Areas of CMA, the

researcher wanted to identify PUAs of CMA based on which the study area

can be delimited. The census data pertaining to the village which falls under

CMA has been collected for four decades (1971, 1981, 1991, 2001) from

Census of India from their office at Rajaji Bhavan. While going through the

census data, it was observed that some villages in CMA had upgraded into

census towns as per the census of India. A few others had merged into other

neighbouring villages for administrative purposes while some others merged

with upgraded town Panchayats and few have merged with municipalities.

When the new city limit was drawn, a few other villages, had fallen into the

new city limit. Hence, there rose a need to delimit the study areas.

The study area has been delimited based on the justification given

below:

Settlements which are fully urbanized in CMA are not taken into

consideration while delineating the PUAs for the study purpose. Chennai city,

which is fully urbanized, is not taken for the study. Municipalities like Avadi,

Ambattur and Town panchayats like Sholinganallur, Mangadu, and Porur

coming under CMA were not considered, since these areas are also fully

urbanized. Also, areas which are classified as towns as per Census 2001 are

not considered. Also, the settlements which are still having the characteristics

of only rural (village) are not considered for the study purpose, since there are

not many changes in the decennial population growth, employment and

106 

infrastructure facilities for them. After omitting the above, The Peri Urban

Areas of CMA has been delimited.

Map 4.11 shows the delimited PUAs of CMA considered for study

purpose.

Map 4.11 Delimited PUAs in CMA

107 

The data collected from the census with regard to the delimited areas

has been closely observed. While going through the census data, it was

observed that physical, social and economical changes taken place are not

uniform in these areas. These characters are varying in these areas from lower

to higher. Therefore, there was a need to categorise these PUAs based on their

growth as fast/medium/slow. They were classified as fast growing, medium

growing and slow growing. The criteria considered for categorization has been

listed in the Table 4.17.

Table 4.17 Parameters considered for delimiting the study area

Criteria Fast growth Medium

growth Slow growth

Population growth 100% 50-100% 0-50%

Density High

(>2000/sq.km)

Medium

(1000-2000/sq.

km)

Low

(<1000/sq.km)

Health Available Not available Not available

Education HSS/College HSS/Secondary Primary

Literacy >75% 60-75% <60%

Workers (Non-

agricultural) >75% 60 - 75% <75%

Land use change Major changes Moderate

changes Not much

The delimited Peri Urban Areas are shown in Map 4.11. The delimited

peri urban areas in CMA categorized as fast/slow/medium growing are shown

in Map 4.12 and Table 4.18.

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Map 4.12 Chennai Metropolitan Area (delimited PUAs categorized as

slow/medium/fast growing)

109 

Table 4.18 Delimited Peri Urban Areas in CMA with categorization as

fast/medium/slow growing

Fast Growing Medium Growing Slow Growing Panchayat

Union

Mannivakkam

Puthur Kilambakkam Kulapakkam Nedungundram

Kilambakkam Kulappakam

Kattankolathur

Perumbakkam Medavakkam

Nenmangalam Arasan Kalani

Vengambakkam Mulacheri

St. Thomas Mount

Adayalampattu Vanagaram Ayapakkam

Palavedu

Morai Melpakkam Arakkambakkam Pandeshwaram Karlapakkam Keelakondaiyur Velachari

Villivakkam

Katupakkam Ayyappanthangal Gerugambakkam Kovur

Chinnapanicheri Nandambakkam Erumaiyur

Kulathuvancheri Mayambakkam Palamthandalam Naduveerampattu

Kunrathur

Puthagaram Layon Grant Sirugavoor

Vilangadupakkam Layonpullion Athivakkam Vadagari Palavayal

Puzhal

Vallur Nandiyambakkam

Minjur

Pakkam Tiruvallur

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Alamathi Attanthangal Vijayanallur Sembilivakkam Vellivoyal Karanodai

Vichur Thirunilai Kodippallam Arumandai Marambedu Kummanur Sholavaram Erumaivettipalayam Sothuperumbedu Orakkadu Nayiar Mafuskhanpettai Pudhuppakkam Periyamullavayal Seemapuram Nallur Athur

Sholavaram

4.7 FINDINGS

After understanding about Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA), which is the

study area, the PUAs in CMA have been delimited for the study purpose.

From the secondary data, PUAs have been further classified into fast

growing/medium growing/slow growing.

The delimited PUAs are further studied using primary data to prove the

aims, objectives and to test the hypothesis in chapter five.