The Greater Chennai Corporation was originally established as the Corporation of Madras on 29 September 1688. The foundation was laid through a royal charter issued by King James II of England, marking it as an important governance body for the city of Madras (now Chennai). It is not only the oldest municipal corporation in India but also the second oldest in the world, after the City of London Corporation.
The Corporation is responsible for administering Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. It oversees a variety of municipal services, including urban planning, healthcare, education, water supply, sanitation, roads, and waste management. The GCC also works on projects related to housing, transportation, environmental sustainability, and disaster management. Over the centuries, the Corporation of Madras has undergone several transformations, adapting to the changing needs of the city and its residents.
It played a significant role during British colonial rule and continued to function as an important administrative body post-independence, shaping Chennai into the metropolitan city it is today. The Mayor of Chennai leads the Greater Chennai Corporation. The Mayor is elected from the members of the Corporation Council, which consists of representatives from different wards of the city. The Corporation operates under the Tamil Nadu Municipal Laws and reports to the state government.
The GCC has been instrumental in the growth and development of Chennai, working towards making it a modern, livable city while preserving its rich cultural heritage. The Corporation has implemented numerous infrastructure development projects and urban improvements, contributing to the city’s standing as a key cultural, economic, and educational hub in southern India.
As the oldest civic body in India, the Chennai Corporation carries a rich legacy of governance that has shaped the city’s identity and its growth over the years. Its role in the development of public services in Chennai has had a lasting impact on urban planning and civic administration in the country.
This institution, with its long history and legacy, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Chennai, with its focus on improving the quality of life for its residents and ensuring the city’s sustained growth and development.
