The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is preparing to approach the Bombay High Court over the Maharashtra government’s decision to process pending cluster redevelopment proposals without first assessing the city’s infrastructure capacity.
At its General Body meeting on November 2, the civic body passed a resolution by 60 votes to 31, directing the administration to seek a stay on Urban Renewal Scheme (URS) approvals until a comprehensive carrying capacity study is completed. It also decided to pursue legal action if the state proceeds with the pending proposals.
The dispute follows an October 15 communication from the Urban Development Department instructing authorities to move forward with proposals already notified or awaiting consideration by the High-Powered Committee.
Infrastructure concerns dominate debate
Leader of the House Sagar Naik cautioned that additional construction without evaluating existing infrastructure could affect Navi Mumbai’s planned development. Referring to Bengaluru’s traffic congestion, he warned that the city could face similar challenges. He also raised concerns over water shortages in Ghansoli, sewage management and transportation facilities.
Naik clarified that the corporation was not opposed to redevelopment but questioned the need for a separate URS when existing Development Control Regulations already provide redevelopment options. He said structurally dangerous C-1 category buildings should be permitted to undergo redevelopment through regular provisions.
Corporator Suraj Patil proposed filing a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution, seeking an interim halt to approvals for Cluster 1, Cluster 2 and other pending projects until the infrastructure assessment is completed. Deputy Mayor Dashrath Bhagat backed the proposal and called for an examination of the scheme’s environmental impact on creek ecosystems and fisheries.
Differences emerge over Ghansoli project
The Ghansoli Simplex cluster proposal also exposed disagreements within the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Corporator Prashant Patil alleged that brokers were approaching residents with inducements and demanded cancellation of the scheme, offering to submit a memorandum signed by 5,000 residents.
Nominated corporator Dwarkanath Bhoir challenged his allegations, highlighting differences within the party.
Following the vote, NMMC instructed the Municipal Commissioner to convey its objections to the state government and initiate legal proceedings.
Source: News Band
