A public consultation meeting on the redevelopment of Motilal Nagar in Goregaon West turned contentious after a senior official from Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) allegedly referred to a resident as a ‘ghuspaithiya’ (infiltrator), prompting strong backlash from attendees.
The meeting had been organised to present the redevelopment blueprint for Motilal Nagar 1, 2, and 3, in accordance with High Court directions. Spanning approximately 143 acres, the project is being positioned as one of the largest urban renewal initiatives in India, with a total built-up area of around 28 lakh square metres, including nearly 18 lakh square metres designated for free sale.
Addressing residents, MHADA Vice Chairman and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal stated that the redevelopment would involve an investment of nearly Rs 1 lakh crore by the Adani Group over a period of seven to ten years. Of this, about Rs 36,000 crore would be allocated toward MHADA housing, rehabilitation units, commercial spaces, and internal infrastructure such as roads.
Under the proposed plan, eligible residents are expected to receive homes measuring approximately 1,600 square feet. However, tensions arose when some residents held placards demanding larger units of 2,400 square feet.
During the interaction, Jaiswal questioned one such resident about his familiarity with Marathi. When the individual responded that he had studied in an English-medium institution, the situation escalated.
“Sit down. Don’t make me explore if you are an infiltrator here,” Jaiswal said, directing police personnel to check the man’s documents. He further added, “Show your ID. I will investigate where you came from, when you came, where you were born. If you are infiltrator, I will take you out right from here.”
The remarks drew immediate criticism from those present, who objected to the language and tone used at what was intended to be a consultative session. Jaiswal later concluded the meeting, stating that residents were not engaging constructively and were instead raising disruptive concerns.
Earlier, MHADA had introduced the project’s master plan, highlighting its vision of transforming the locality into a “15-minute city” with easy access to essential services and amenities.
Source: India Today
