A circular from Chennai Metropolitan Development Authroity (CMDA) issued on Tuesday mentioned that there would be no red tapism at any level in the department.

The circular said all applications for planning permission, completion certificates, layouts, and reclassification should be completed at the earliest without any delay. In cases where files could not be processed within the prescribed timelines due to technical difficulties, policy issues, legal complications, inter-departmental co-ordination issues, or other genuine reasons, the officials concerned should appraise the status of such files during the review meeting held every Monday and obtain necessary directions for early disposal.

“Officers concerned shall monitor pending files on a day-to-day basis and ensure no application remains pending beyond the prescribed timelines without valid reasons duly covered. And, they shall prevent any form of malpractice or misuse of official positions,” the circular noted.

Reacting to the circular, Habib W.S., president of CREDAI Tamil Nadu, said: “I genuinely feel very encouraged seeing the immediate administrative response from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) following the Chief Minister’s swearing-in address. This sends a very positive and confidence-building message to the entire ecosystem — homebuyers, investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and developers.”

He further said: “As someone closely associated with the urban development sector for many years, I believe such administrative clarity and accountability can make a meaningful difference to Tamil Nadu’s growth journey. Faster decision-making and coordinated governance not only help businesses, but also ultimately benefit the public through quicker project execution, housing delivery, infrastructure creation, and employment generation.”

“We look forward to seeing similar proactive and time-bound approaches being adopted across other key departments, including the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Revenue, Public Works Department, Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services, and local bodies and panchayats, across Tamil Nadu,” he added.