TN to Open Up Hill Areas for Real Estate via HACA Boundary Reform
Real Estate

TN to Open Up Hill Areas for Real Estate via HACA Boundary Reform

In a significant policy shift aimed at unlocking development potential in Tamil Nadu’s hill regions, Housing and Urban Development Minister S Muthusamy announced that the government will redraw boundaries under the Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA). The move could release up to 60% of the currently restricted areas from the Authority’s control, thereby enabling real estate development and infrastructure expansion.

Speaking in the State Assembly, Muthusamy explained that existing HACA boundaries are based on village limits, which vary widely in size—from as little as 2 km to over 10 km. “We have decided to reclassify HACA areas based on survey numbers instead,” he said, noting that this method would more accurately reflect the conservation requirements of each specific parcel of land.

Currently, 597 villages across 16 districts are designated as hill areas under HACA’s jurisdiction. The state has already conducted pilot studies in Kanniyakumari and Coimbatore, incorporating advanced tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess Geomorphology, Slope, Lithology, Soil type, and Land Use Land Cover (LULC). The draft report is under review, and once finalised, the approach will be extended to other hill areas.

More Master Plans, More Experts The minister also revealed plans to increase master plan coverage from 7% to 22% of the state's total area. To support this, a dedicated Master Plan Unit will be established within the Town Planning Department, staffed by expert and young town planners.

Additionally, a standard operating procedure (SOP) is in the works for preparing master plans. The SOP will guide authorities on data collection, stakeholder participation, and sustainability standards, ensuring that future urban planning is more structured and responsive.

Development vs Conservation While the proposed boundary reforms are seen as a boon for developers and local economies, they also raise questions about ecological sensitivity in Tamil Nadu’s fragile hill ecosystems. However, the department maintains that the GIS-based scientific approach will ensure that only areas suitable for development are released from conservation control.

This shift marks a major milestone in the state’s urban development agenda and sets the stage for a new phase of balanced growth across Tamil Nadu’s diverse terrain.

In a significant policy shift aimed at unlocking development potential in Tamil Nadu’s hill regions, Housing and Urban Development Minister S Muthusamy announced that the government will redraw boundaries under the Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA). The move could release up to 60% of the currently restricted areas from the Authority’s control, thereby enabling real estate development and infrastructure expansion. Speaking in the State Assembly, Muthusamy explained that existing HACA boundaries are based on village limits, which vary widely in size—from as little as 2 km to over 10 km. “We have decided to reclassify HACA areas based on survey numbers instead,” he said, noting that this method would more accurately reflect the conservation requirements of each specific parcel of land. Currently, 597 villages across 16 districts are designated as hill areas under HACA’s jurisdiction. The state has already conducted pilot studies in Kanniyakumari and Coimbatore, incorporating advanced tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess Geomorphology, Slope, Lithology, Soil type, and Land Use Land Cover (LULC). The draft report is under review, and once finalised, the approach will be extended to other hill areas. More Master Plans, More Experts The minister also revealed plans to increase master plan coverage from 7% to 22% of the state's total area. To support this, a dedicated Master Plan Unit will be established within the Town Planning Department, staffed by expert and young town planners. Additionally, a standard operating procedure (SOP) is in the works for preparing master plans. The SOP will guide authorities on data collection, stakeholder participation, and sustainability standards, ensuring that future urban planning is more structured and responsive. Development vs Conservation While the proposed boundary reforms are seen as a boon for developers and local economies, they also raise questions about ecological sensitivity in Tamil Nadu’s fragile hill ecosystems. However, the department maintains that the GIS-based scientific approach will ensure that only areas suitable for development are released from conservation control. This shift marks a major milestone in the state’s urban development agenda and sets the stage for a new phase of balanced growth across Tamil Nadu’s diverse terrain.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

Next Story
Resources

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?