Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed officials to prepare a rehabilitation plan within a month for eligible families living in settlements on land acquired by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO). The move follows a demolition drive in Belpada, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, which affected 24 families and was linked to the death of a local tribal resident.
During a review meeting, Bawankule instructed officials to survey old settlements and houses within CIDCO-acquired areas, identify eligible households and submit the findings to the district collector. He stressed that residents should not be left homeless without appropriate rehabilitation arrangements.
The minister also directed officials to follow government resolutions governing homes on government land. Rehabilitation alternatives must be considered before settlements are removed, while responsibility should be fixed on officials who fail to comply with the applicable rules.
Under the ‘Housing for All’ initiative, district collectors have been asked to ensure that planning and development authorities within their jurisdictions implement the relevant government provisions.
Relief for affected households
For the 24 families displaced in Belpada, officials have been instructed to identify suitable government land nearby. The administration will also examine the possibility of providing plots and financial assistance of ₹2.5 lakh per family for house construction.
Potential funding sources include the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the Housing for All scheme and available resources from the District Mineral Foundation. The assistance will depend on eligibility and the applicable provisions.
Bawankule further asked CIDCO to consider financial support for the family of the deceased resident. Officials have also been directed to explore whether one family member could receive contractual employment in accordance with existing rules and submit a proposal.
Inspection of CIDCO-acquired areas
The district collector has been instructed to inspect CIDCO areas personally and initiate appropriate action if any damage to government property is discovered.
The meeting was attended by local MLA Vikrant Patil, CIDCO representatives, district administration officials and members representing the affected families.
The directions establish a time-bound process for assessing rehabilitation needs and examining financial assistance for eligible households affected by the demolition drive.
Source: The Free Press Journal
