The Maharashtra government has overturned a freeze imposed by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) on cluster redevelopment projects, intensifying the political differences between Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BJP leader Ganesh Naik.
The Urban Development Department, headed by Shinde, has instructed Municipal Commissioner Kailash Shinde to process five redevelopment proposals in Ghansoli and Vashi. According to the department, projects already published in the government gazette or awaiting consideration by the civic body’s high-powered committee cannot be suspended through a general body resolution. The proposals must now be processed and forwarded to the state government for approval.
In August, the NMMC general body had decided to suspend all projects under the Urban Renewal Scheme (URS), commonly known as cluster redevelopment, until their impact on civic infrastructure could be scientifically evaluated. The move stalled several proposals that had already undergone scrutiny, including some officially notified by the government.
Infrastructure Concerns Fuel Political Disagreement
Naik, a prominent BJP leader who has held considerable influence over Navi Mumbai politics for decades, has opposed the scheme. He argues that increased floor space index (FSI) and population density could put additional pressure on roads, water supplies and parking facilities.
Shinde, however, has defended redevelopment, maintaining that residents living in cramped and deteriorating buildings deserve safer homes with better living conditions.
The disagreement has added to tensions between the two leaders, who belong to the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Their political differences have surfaced on previous occasions, including Naik’s public outreach programme in Thane last year, which was viewed as a challenge to Shinde’s influence in the region.
Five Proposals Await Further Approval
The department’s order states that three of the five proposals have already received approval from the high-powered committee. These include the Simplex settlement for mathadi workers in Ghansoli and the JN-type colony in Vashi’s Sector 9, whose residents’ associations had approached the department.
Citing the deteriorating condition of several buildings, the government has warned that prolonged delays could endanger residents. It has also directed the civic body to evaluate infrastructure capacity and environmental implications.
The order does not constitute final clearance. All five proposals must still undergo the prescribed scrutiny and receive the state government’s approval before redevelopment can proceed.
Source: The Indian Express
