R Kumar, Managing Director, Navin Builders, and former deputy planner of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) speaks to Times Property on the need for a comprehensive plan if Chennai wants to be counted as a global city
What are the problems that prevent Chennai from becoming a city on par with global standards?
Chennai is grappling with three major problems, the most important being violation of building rules. Most buildings do not have parking facilities, or basic fire safety standards. There is major exploitation of land and FSI violations. All this results in a burden on the public and society at large. Second is traffic mismanagement. The traffic police is not only expected to regulate traffic they are also forced to plan traffic management which they are not equipped to handle. Traffic management is a specialised subject that needs to handled by professionals. But the authorities are yet to realise this.
The CMDA as a department has failed in fulfilling its objectives. Instead of focusing on planning they are obsessed with approving layouts and violations are not checked. The big violators are let off easily while marginal developers are made to suffer.
As a former member of the CMDA, what is your growth prescription for Chennai?
The outskirts of the city are developing fast. The focus now needs to be on better planning for these areas. The authorities need to have a plan in place, have better roads, provide good infrastructure facilities and crack down on violations and encroachments. The developers who follow the rules can be given some benefits. A system can be introduced where instead of paying tax; the builder has to give up a certain part of the built-up space to the government.
Where does Chennai’s real estate market stand? Is there growth, or is it stagnant?
Chennai’s growth story has been amazing. Except for the lull in 2007-08, the market has been steady and growing mainly due to the sensibilities of the local developers, location driven attitude and focus on end users. But for the government, the real estate sector is a golden goose and the focus is mainly on revenue generation. In fact, the registration department is mainly responsible for the inflationary trends witnessed by the sector.
Navin Builders has constructed projects in all segments – villas, luxury apartments and affordable homes. Which sector has witnessed the highest demand in recent years?
All the sectors have witnessed growth due to the huge demand. Two and three bedroom apartments, high-end villas and affordable housing sector too. But the affordable housing sector needs some reforms. Once they are in place more developers will venture into this market.
What are your upcoming projects in the city?
Navin Palmfronds, a villa project at Karapakkam opposite OMR, Srishti, a middle segment residential complex in Madipakkam, Springfield in Madavakkam, high-end homes in T Nagar, another project near the Adyar river in Madampakkam, projects in West Mambalam and Kodambakkam, a mini township in Thiruneermalai and a multi-storey residential project in Medavakkam are some of our new projects. We also plan to announce the launch of Eden Park in Virugambakkam along Porur-Kundrathur road during the CREDAI fair.
Sangeetha Nambiar , Times Property, Chennai
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