Important information regarding Chennai Peripheral Ring Road or CPRR
Posted on: 12/Dec/2020 9:18:06 AM
In 2017, it was announced that 133.65km Chennai peripheral ring road or PRR would be built at an amount of Rs 13000 crores. The latest news is that the project is being funded in packages and the first phase has been taken up by Japan International Cooperation Agency or JICA. It is known that JICA is the main conduit for Japan`s overseas development aid
The second and third phase of this project would be funded by AIIB or Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The first phase of the stretch would begin in the first or second quarter in 2021 with some changes in the alignment. It is worthy to note here that the stretch from Ennore Port to Poonjeri junction in Mamallapuram is being completed in 5 phases. Information gathered is that the 25km phase 1 project from Northern Port Access Road to Egmore is being implemented with the financial aid from JICA.
For the26km second phase that begins from National Highway 16 near Thatchur and ends at State Highway 57 near Keeranur village, the state has come out with a resettlement plan. It must be noted that the entire stretch is a new formation that passes through as many as17 revenue villages spread across 3 Taluks belonging to the district of Tiruvallur.
The acquisition of 150 hectares of private land 33.44 hectares of government land (for the second phase of the CPRR to be funded by AIIB) would create issues to 1022 agricultural land owners. The amount of Rs 356 crores would be the total resettlement cost for the project.
Better road connectivity, faster movement of materials etc:
The superb piece of information is that the project would lead to the improvement of road connectivity to the Ennore port and the industries along the project area. There would be faster movement of goods and materials due to the improved connectivity between the industries in the region and the port. It is brought out that there would also be faster movement of coal from the port to coal based power plants. This was according to an official source.
As many as 113 structures would get affected due to the acquisition of lands. Point is that 68 structures belonging to the title holders and the 45 structures belonging to the non title holders would get affected. To minimise adverse involuntary resettlement impacts, many measures are taken. This would be done by shifting the alignment behind the existing settlement along SH-57 for about 6.3km. Significant impact on the residential structures along the stretch would be reduced.
Resettlement plan to address social issues:
It was later pointed out by the source that the resettlement plan addresses social issues due to land acquisitions, removal of squatters/ encroachments, social or economic displacement of families, individuals, community etc either directly or indirectly. Resettlement plan is in compliance with state as well as with central legislation. For the sake of Resettlement Plan Implementation Support, a consultant has been roped now. The source also mentioned about the task that would include final verification of the affected families, support mechanisms establishments etc.
