The draft Sustainable Land Use Policy (SLUP) for Tamil Nadu is designed to tackle issues related to urbanization, environmental protection, and economic growth by ensuring that land use aligns with long-term sustainability objectives. The proposal includes zoning land into various categories, such as development, conservation, agricultural, and transition zones, to enhance urban expansion, safeguard ecosystems, bolster agricultural efforts, and manage development.
This policy stresses the importance of integrated spatial planning, sustainable resource management practices, and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By incorporating regular reviews and feedback from stakeholders, SLUP aims to encourage responsible land use, promote sustainability, and advance socio-economic benefits for the state.
Dr. J. Jayaranjan, Executive Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission (SPC), presented the draft policy along with three additional reports and policies to Chief Minister MK Stalin, who functions as Chairman of the SPC.
The other three policies included the Tamil Nadu Employment Policy 2023, the Water Policy, and the Community Dog Management and Regulation Policy.
The Tamil Nadu Employment Policy 2023 addresses critical issues in the current job market, particularly the high unemployment rates among educated youth and the disconnect between education, skills, aspirations, and available job opportunities. It outlines various strategies to tackle these challenges, emphasizing the need for a decade-long approach to create productive jobs and foster inclusive growth, ultimately aimed at improving median income levels and supporting rapid economic growth.
Meanwhile, the draft Tamil Nadu State Water Policy, which has been developed using a multi-disciplinary approach, focuses on specific challenges related to water management in the state. It proposes measures to ensure fair access to clean water, safeguard and improve water resources, and encourage effective water usage. The policy also advocates for the establishment of the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Authority, the Water Policy Research Centre, and a comprehensive Tamil Nadu Water Information System, among other initiatives.
The Community Dog Management and Regulation Policy adopts a holistic viewpoint in addressing the management of community dogs. It puts forth sustainable strategies, including humane sterilization programs, organized vaccination campaigns, and the creation of shelters for abandoned and surrendered dogs. Additionally, the policy outlines regulations for pet registration, the reporting of dog bites, and the oversight of commercial dog breeding. Its aim is to enhance public health and safety while fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and dogs.
In his submission, Jayaranjan also included assessments of major state government initiatives, such as the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme’s impact on children in government primary schools, benefits of the Pudumai Penn Scheme, and the Ennum Ezhuthum Scheme.
He presented studies focused on Urban Heat Island effects, which involve analyzing heat hotspots across Tamil Nadu to understand temperature increases driven by urbanization and climate change, along with their potential mitigation strategies tailored for the state.
The report on opportunities for a District Cooling System (DCS) notes that Tamil Nadu is experiencing a higher number of heat stress days, particularly between March and August, exacerbated by increasing heat waves. The provision of thermal comfort and cooling access is essential for households and occupations that are vulnerable to heat.
The DCS report aims to assist investors and cooling solution providers with suitable business and financial models. It recommends policy and regulatory support to facilitate the implementation of the District Cooling System in Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, a State Action Plan has been developed to promote DCS, outlining short, medium, and long-term strategies and defining the roles of government departments in facilitating the development of DCS projects.
