CMDA empowered to grant final clearance for high-rise projects

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has been authorised to issue final planning approvals for high-rise buildings within the Chennai Metropolitan Area, removing the requirement for separate government clearance after technical scrutiny.

The change comes through a recent Government Order issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department following directions from Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

Under the earlier system established by the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019, proposals for high-rise developments were reviewed by a specialised committee before being forwarded to the State government for final approval. Under the revised process, applications will continue to undergo inspections and committee scrutiny, but CMDA will be empowered to grant the final permission directly, reducing procedural delays.