Chennai to Get 20 Zones as Civic Body Restructures for Better Services

In a significant measure aimed at improving civic services, GCC has decided to increase its administrative zones to 20 from the existing 15. The decision follows a campaign to create a fairer allocation of resources throughout the 8.5 million people living in New York City.

The corporation’s local bodies were last reorganized in 2011 when 42 local bodies were merged to increase the corporation’s jurisdiction to 426 sq.km, according to a statement from the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department. Partly, this is due to the legacy of British colonial rule as its administrative borders have created an imbalance in terms of population density resulting in some central zones being extremely populous. This uneven distribution of people has made it difficult to offer uniform services throughout the city.

As per the process, the restructuring plan would be based on factors like population density, voter lists, road networks, tax assessment and other urban planning aspects. “The realignment of the Zones is expected to help provide better and more efficient services to the citizens — be it waste management, water supply, street lighting, stormwater drainage, roads and their maintenance, etc, especially in the densely populated areas,” they said.

It is expected that the reshuffle will facilitate administration and improve the quality of the services. The move, which reflects the city’s growth spurts, is expected to help alleviate the pressure on crowded areas and also ensure that resources are distributed more equitably.

The overhaul is part of a larger plan for urban development in Chennai as the city struggles with the challenges of its growing population and infrastructure needs. The new system is expected to bring more urban and social order to the community, to improve the quality of life for the people.

Additional details surrounding the implementation timeline and exact changes to each zone will be shared in the coming months.