Mamallapuram an apt location for development, say experts

Mamallapuram an apt location for development, say experts

Blessed with beautiful beaches, archaeological sites, beach resorts and well-connected roads, Mamallapuram is an apt location for development, and would help decongest the city, experts at a panel discussion First stop: Mamallapuram said on Thursday.

The event, which marks the launch of the series Chennai Unlimited, was presented by G Square and powered by The Hindu.

Hotelier, entrepreneur and a long-time resident of Mamallapuram J. Sethuraman said after the Chinese Premier’s visit, Mamallapuram became “busy” and “it is time we start planning for it. It is our responsibility to pass on this heritage to the next generation. Any development in and around Mamallapuram should be done keeping the elements of heritage and sustainability in mind.”

Talking about the history of the town that gets lakhs of tourists every year, Mr. Sethuraman said he had seen the town grow from a population of just 250 to 12,000. It was a small hippie town in the 1970s and 80s. “In the 90s, we saw a lot of inbound tourists. Now, it is the gateway of tourism in Tamil Nadu. Even if tourists land in Chennai, they start their sightseeing from Mamallapuram,” he said.

Retired professor of Urban Engineering, Anna University, K.P. Subramanian said that with the State government realising the importance of Mamallapuram, the town and its surrounding areas had two planning areas and planning authorities. In an effort to decongest the city, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) had proposed six new towns and one among those is Mamallapuram.

“The government is also in the process of developing a 15-minute city, where commuting would be minimal. . This integrated township model will have mixed land uses, have basic, health and education infrastructure, and create housing and economic opportunities. ...While Mamallapuram can be the next Sholinganallur in terms of economic development, one important aspect that policy-makers must keep in mind while bringing in developments is that the locals should not be alienated,” Mr. Subramanian said.