Maharashtra Forest Minister and Palghar Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik has directed officials to suspend a proposed Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) land acquisition involving six villages near a planned airport in Palghar district. The decision followed objections over the lack of consultation with local representatives and affected residents.
The directive was issued during a Janata Darbar held at the Palghar Collectorate on Thursday, where Naik also reviewed public complaints and called for faster resolution of citizens’ problems.
1,058 Grievances Submitted
The public grievance redressal programme, conducted at the Lokshahir Atmaram Patil District Planning Committee Hall, received 1,058 applications. Residents raised concerns related to revenue administration, water supply, roads, electricity, healthcare, education, land acquisition and access to government schemes.
Naik personally listened to the complaints and instructed the relevant departments to take immediate steps. He emphasised that routine public issues should be resolved at the district level rather than forcing citizens to travel to Mantralaya in Mumbai.
He also asked government departments to work together to speed up the process and ensure effective outcomes. Officials were reminded of their responsibility to address complaints sensitively and remain accountable to the public.
Land Acquisition Process Put on Hold
The proposed MIDC acquisition involving six villages near the planned airport emerged as a key issue during the meeting. Naik reportedly objected to decisions being taken without consulting the district guardian minister, elected representatives and villagers who could be affected by the project.
He questioned the manner in which the Industries Minister’s orders had been issued and made it clear that development decisions could not proceed through unilateral action.
Naik subsequently instructed officials to halt the acquisition process until the concerns surrounding consultation were addressed. He stressed that local representatives and affected residents must be involved before decisions are taken on major industrial and infrastructure initiatives.
Officials Attend Public Hearing
The meeting was attended by MLAs Rajendra Gavit and Harishchandra Bhoye, District Collector Dr Indu Rani Jakhar, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Manoj Ranade, Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh and other senior officials.
The administration reiterated the need for coordination between departments and timely grievance redressal to improve public service delivery across Palghar district.
Source: The Free Press Journal
