| Agency Name: | Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority |
| Formed: | 1974 |
| Jurisdiction: | Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Headquarters: | Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Coordinates: | 13.0779°N 80.2649°W |
| Motto: | Better Chennai is Our Motto |
| Minister1 Name: | S. Muthusamy |
| Minister1 Pfo: | Minister for Housing and Urban Development |
| Agency Type: | Urban Planning Agency |
| Parent Agency: | Municipal Administration and Urban Development |
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), formerly known as the Madras Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA), is the nodal planning agency of Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The CMDA administers the Chennai Metropolitan Region, spread over an area of 5904km2 and covers the districts of Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Ranipet and Kancheepuram.[1] It was set up for the purposes of planning, co-ordination, supervising, promoting and securing the planned development of the Chennai Metropolitan Area. It coordinates the development activities of the municipal corporations, municipalities and other local authorities.
The CMDA was constituted as an ad hoc body in 1972 under the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act 1971. It was formed as the nodal Town planning authority for the city of Madras (now Chennai) and its suburbs and became a statutory body in 1974.[2] It is headed by minister for housing as its chairman.[3]
In January 2013, CMDA was recognised as a research centre by the Centre for Research, Anna University.
The CMA falls in five Districts of the Tamil Nadu State viz. Chennai District, Tiruvallur District (except Pallipattu, RK Pet & parts of Tiruttani Taluks), Kancheepuram District (except Uthiramerur Taluk), Chengalpattu District (except Madurantakam & Cheyyur Taluks) & Ranipet District (parts of Arakkonam Taluk). New construction in areas under the CMDA needs their approval to start work.
Some of the notable projects undertaken by the CMDA include: