Make cities compact to reduce commuting distance

CHENNAI: The state government should eliminate urban sprawl and make cities compact to reduce commuting distances and infrastructure cost, according to a report.The characteristics of urban sprawl are haphazard and low-dense development with an admixture of land uses. This results in sub-optimal utilisation of land, water and other resources and promotes car-dependent communities, the Institute of Town Planners of India (ITPI) report claimed.Urban sprawls have negative connotations in terms of energy consumption, environmental pollution and road-traffic accidents. As a result, the state should focus on Transit-oriented Development (TOD), Bicycling-oriented Development (BOD) and Pedestrian-oriented Development (POD), the report added.It highlighted the Chennai Metropolitan Development authority’s strategy of densification of Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) corridor as a case in Transit-oriented Development.In this format, accessibility to public transport is maximised. It  also suggested Bicycling-oriented Development and Pedestrian-oriented Development by laying exclusive cycle tracks, quality footpaths and pedestrian right of ways to encourage cycling and walking. In such neighbourhoods, cycling and walking will be high and local business will thrive, the report added.