Chennai: Climate-resilient planning, protection of waterbodies, GIS-based monitoring, stronger social infrastructure and planning urban growth around future water and sewerage networks were among the suggestions made by Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) as Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) kicked off stakeholder consultations for the proposed third master plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA). The stakeholders included GCC, Metrowater, police and highways, among other agencies.“The draft proposals were presented to various departments, which have been asked to verify the accuracy of data, assess future infrastructure requirements and submit suggestions before the plan is finalised. The consultations are expected to shape a blueprint that will guide Chennai’s growth until 2046,” said a CMDA official.During the consultations, GCC emphasised that climate resilience should be a central planning principle. It recommended protecting rivers, canals, lakes, wetlands and floodplains while incorporating nature-based solutions such as urban forests, green corridors, rainwater harvesting, permeable pavements, green roofs and sustainable urban drainage systems to reduce flooding, improve groundwater recharge and mitigate urban heat island effects.The civic body also proposed a stronger blue-green network by expanding parks, playgrounds, waterfronts, urban forests and neighbourhood open spaces to improve biodiversity and public health. On governance, GCC recommended GIS-based planning supported by satellite imagery, drone surveys and artificial intelligence to monitor land-use changes, unauthorised construction and civic infrastructure. It also suggested integrating planning permissions with property tax, building approvals and enforcement databases to improve transparency and regulatory compliance.“We suggested incorporating planning norms to ensure adequate schools, health facilities, fire stations, community halls, disaster shelters and public toilets in line with projected population growth. We have also recommended reserving land for decentralised waste processing facilities, material recovery centres, composting units and recycling infrastructure, while making on-site waste management systems mandatory for large developments to promote a circular economy,” said a GCC official.Metrowater officials said there were discussions on whether the city should continue accommodating higher densities within the congested core or encourage vertical development and higher floor space index (FSI) in added areas such as Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Tiruporur, OMR and parts of Ranipet.A senior CMDA official said that valid suggestions will be included in the master plan and presented before the govt. The proposed plan is expected to be unveiled by Chief minister C Joseph Vijay in about three months.