At a public feedback meeting convened by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) of Madurai regarding the recently unveiled draft masterplan for the city's local planning area, industrial stakeholders pressed for a significant increase in industrial land allocation.
Representatives from bodies such as MADITSSIA and the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industries voiced their concerns, with a notable demand to raise the industrial land allocation from the current 4% to 14% in the local planning area.
During the meeting chaired by District Collector M S Sangeetha, suggestions poured in, including extending the suggestion period from 40 days to two months to facilitate comprehensive feedback gathering.
Rm Lakshminarayanan, president of MADITSSIA, underscored the inadequacy of the current land allocation for the industrial sector. He emphasized, We persistently advocated for a 14% land allocation, yet we have only received 4%, which is insufficient.
P S Manju, assistant director of DTCP, acknowledged the underutilization of previously allocated industrial land and explained that growth trends were considered in the revised allocation.
MADITSSIA members proposed more land allocation in the Tuticorin-Madurai industrial corridor and advocated for land allocation for tiny industries in the Jaihindpuram area within the Madurai Corporation.
Members of the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industries expressed concerns about the lack of awareness among industrialists and landholders regarding the new masterplan. They urged the LPA to extend the suggestion window to two months.
J Selvam, vice-president of TNCCI, commented, Even this meeting was not properly communicated to us, and with around 5,500 members in the TNCCI, we need time to make them aware of the draft plan provisions.
CREDAI members raised issues regarding certain mixed land-use areas labeled as agricultural land in the draft masterplan. They also sought an increase in residential area allocation.
Academicians suggested incorporating the knowledge economy into the masterplan to address future job needs. Muthu Raja, an economics professor, emphasized the importance of considering specific demands like job creation and upskilling the city?s youth.
Various stakeholders voiced suggestions ranging from enhancing the tourism sector to improving waste management and alleviating city road congestion.
The assistant director of DTCP, Madurai, highlighted that once integrated, the suggestions would be submitted for state government approval, a process expected to take two to three months after the suggestion window closes.
