The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority receive 70,000 applications for 255 Plots
Posted on: 07/Jan/2014 11:56:17 AM
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority had called for applications from the general public for the sale of 255 un-allotted and cancelled plots in five areas of the city. The draw of lots for the plot allotments would be on February 8. CMDA officials said they received more than 35,000 applications on the last day for the plots being sold at Marimalai Nagar, Manali, Gudalur, Koyambedu and Sathangadu.
Interestingly, the final day of receiving applications resulted in a massive rush creating traffic congestion for several hours in the busy Gandhi Irwin road in Egmore stretch. Long-winding serpentine queues were seen since morning as people from various parts of the city gathered to try their luck to be one of the owners of the 255 plots.
The crowd started gathering by 11 am. As crowd continued to swell, the police barricaded the side-arm of a railway bridge which was in place till the office closed at 6pm. “This is an overwhelming response, we did not expect such a crowd,” a senior CMDA official said, adding that there will be no further extension of the deadline. “This is the last date,” he said. A total of 25 counters were set up but it was difficult for the officials to manage the crowd. While senior CMDA officials maintain that more than 35,000 people registered by paying Rs 1,000 each for the application form, people claim that each counter had nearly 2,000 applications.
CMDA sources said it was also the right time to get back the land to an extent of 178.87 acres, which was acquired to develop satellite town at Marimalai Nagar in 1972. “This could be done by shifting the planners in allotment wing and planning wing to the site and prepare a plan for Marimalai Nagar layout for the people and sell the plots,” the source said.
He also said the expansion of the Chennai Metropolitan Area should be immediately taken up and the encroached government land should be retrieved, developed into plots by CMDA and sold to the public.
