The land acquisition process for the proposed ‘Third Mumbai’ in Raigad district has gathered pace, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) taking physical possession of 550 acres so far. The project is aimed at easing the growing pressure on Navi Mumbai by developing a new planned urban centre in the Karnala-Sai-Chirner region.
The proposed city will cover approximately 323 square kilometres and include 123 villages spread across Panvel, Uran and Pen talukas. The MMRDA has earmarked Rs 4,000 crore for the project in its recently announced budget.
According to officials, landowners have shown willingness to provide up to 5,000 acres for the development. The acquisition is being carried out in phases, with the authority now accelerating the process to secure the land required for the ambitious project.
For acquiring the land, the MMRDA is following a model similar to the approach adopted by CIDCO and MIDC. Under this system, landowners will receive compensation as well as developed plots in return for their land.
The planned development is expected to transform a large part of Raigad district and create a new urban hub in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Farmers and other landowners in the identified areas are increasingly coming forward to participate in the process, according to the authority.
The MMRDA has been entrusted with the responsibility of developing the new city, which is expected to play a key role in the future expansion of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. With land acquisition now progressing in phases and physical possession already secured for 550 acres, work on laying the foundation for the proposed ‘Third Mumbai’ is moving forward, said Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Commissioner, MMRDA.
Source: Esakal
