Residents of Lokmanyanagar-Shastrinagar have expressed their determination to pursue cluster redevelopment, following the ongoing process in the Siddheshwar Lake area. A public gathering held on Sunday saw residents and leaders from different political parties come together to support planned redevelopment of the neighbourhood.
Thane Municipal Corporation House Leader Hanmant Jagdale addressed the gathering and sought to clarify concerns surrounding the cluster scheme. His remarks came amid a political debate after Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said development should not result in the displacement or destruction of residents. He had also alleged that certain interests were seeking cluster redevelopment beyond the requirement of road widening.
Jagdale said cluster redevelopment should not be viewed as an exercise involving indiscriminate demolition. According to him, the objective is to replace old and congested housing with safer homes through structured development. He said residents must be taken into confidence, proper agreements must be signed and alternative accommodation arrangements made before homes are vacated.
He added that the process would involve surveys, biometric registration, eligibility verification, preparation of a development plan and approvals from the municipal corporation and state government. He also maintained that no resident would be required to vacate a home before the necessary legal procedures are completed.
Jagdale further said the redevelopment proposal should seek to retain residents within Lokmanyanagar wherever possible. A broader plan covering nearly 150 acres could integrate roads, water supply, drainage, parks, schools, sports facilities and other civic infrastructure.
He also said efforts are underway under Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s leadership to advance the cluster proposal. Discussions are reportedly being held with residents through 31 local organisations, with a committee proposed to ensure wider participation.
The gathering concluded with a collective resolve to pursue planned redevelopment while protecting residents’ rehabilitation rights. Jagdale appealed to both supporters and opponents of the scheme to address concerns through dialogue rather than confrontation.
The event also highlighted differences within the Shiv Sena, with Jagdale responding to Sarnaik’s earlier position while several Shiv Sena corporators and other party representatives attended the gathering.
