An effective solution for the retention and discharge of storm water in Chennai is only possible when the urban area no longer plays a role as the drainage pit of the region. This is possible by creating a regional   green-blue framework with a main role for water courses and rivers, lakes and ponds, combined with green slopes and parklands. These will be developed as robust green-blue corridors that provide ecosystem services: fresh water, ecology, recreation, urban climate control, etc. Together with parks and natural reserves they form a continuous structure as a backbone for urban development and agriculture. Individual green-blue ponds are scattered throughout the region and form a complementary system for retaining water. The transportation structure will function as a second conditional tier for urban development.

The vision of a regional green-blue framework offers a comprehensive strategy to manage floods and increase water recharge and retention capacities in a multi-scalar manner. It addresses urban water management through strategies of reforestation, green-blue belts, restoration and creation of lakes and also devises strategies for densification, creation of urban centres and urban infrastructure. Together these strategies envision the New Chennai Metropolitan Area as a water rich, healthy and sustainable urban region.