Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to formulate a dedicated policy for the effective utilisation of “housing stock” created for families displaced by infrastructure projects across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
According to officials, the Chief Minister emphasised that with several large-scale infrastructure projects underway and more in the pipeline, it is essential to ensure that housing reserved for project-affected persons is used efficiently and benefits reach eligible citizens without delay.
The instructions were issued during a review meeting held at the Chief Minister’s official residence focusing on issues related to the Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency. Union Minister Piyush Goyal also attended the meeting.
Fadnavis stressed the importance of coordinated planning between state and central agencies. He called for a joint survey of land required for ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects and instructed officials to submit a consolidated proposal to the central government.
He further directed the appointment of nodal officers to expedite court cases linked to land acquisition under various development authorities, aiming to reduce delays in project execution.
The review also covered industrial development. Officials were asked to follow up with the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation regarding land availability in the Shendra-Bidkin industrial zone in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Acceleration of work in the Dighi industrial area was also emphasised.
On civic infrastructure, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai was instructed to improve hospital facilities, cleanliness, equipment availability, and staffing levels in major public healthcare institutions.
Fadnavis also underlined the need to complete mapping of village settlements within Mumbai to ensure universal access to civic services. He proposed developing a convention centre in Gorai on the lines of Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, with a comprehensive master plan.
Goyal highlighted ongoing skill development initiatives under the National Skill Development Corporation and suggested early operationalisation of a centre in North Mumbai. He also recommended strengthening sports infrastructure in Kandivali through public-private partnerships with support from the Sports Authority of India.
In addition, he reiterated the central government’s target of a drug-free India by March 2029 and urged stronger police involvement. Coastal development, fisheries infrastructure, and mobile sanitation facilities near Sanjay Gandhi National Park were also discussed.
Senior officials from MMRDA, MIDC, MHADA, and other civic bodies attended the meeting.
Source: Mid-day
