Future plans: Villages set for urban makeover under MMRDA blueprint; Rs 325 crore road project underway

Time of India

4 hours ago

MMRDA has begun preparing a Development Plan (DP) for Alibaug and parts of Pen, Panvel and Khalapur — areas now integrated into the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The move aims to transform the largely rural belt into an urban extension of Mumbai, with industrial clusters, residential zones, and tourism infrastructure.
A major highlight is a Rs 325-crore road improvement project across 10 villages, with 10 major stretches set for concretisation. Work worth Rs 251 crore under three packages is already tendered, with a completion timeline of 24 months.
While demographic surveys and infrastructure studies are ongoing, the draft DP will be released for public suggestions and objections. Following are
MMRDA's
responses to a
TOI
questionnaire:
■ What prompted the inclusion of parts of Alibaug, Pen, Panvel, and Khalapur in MMRDA's planning area?
Alibaug, Pen, Panvel and Khalapur were already partly included in MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region).
Considering development potential of the talukas and influence of MMR, remaining parts were included on Sept 9, 2019. To channelize development, a Development Plan was essential. Therefore, Urban Development Department appointed MMRDA as Special Planning Authority in MMR's Extended Notified Area.
■ How will this benefit the residents?
The Development Plan (DP) will enable organised development and encourage industrial, residential and commercial, recreational and employment generating activities in the sub-region.
■ Are development control regulations ready for the region?
The Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations are applicable for the area. The DP being prepared by MMRDA is at its early stage, the draft will be ready for publication in due course.
■ Do you see Alibaug as a prospective industrial zone or tourist zone or an extended suburb of Mumbai?
Alibaug taluka is now an integral part of the metropolitan region as an extended suburb of Mumbai via sea route. It is an established tourist destination. MMRDA envisages its development into an upcoming urbanised area with secondary and tertiary industries, residential and tourism belts.
■ What will be the status of agriculture in the area?
Land suitable for agriculture and already under cultivation will be maintained.
■ What kind of expansion is planned in terms of water
supply, garbage management, transport, and electricity for Alibaug?
Outside Alibaug council limit, the rest of the taluka is rural. The Draft DP will consider these aspects. A study of infrastructure in rural areas is underway to plan for balanced development.
■
Are there numerical projections for population for the region?
Demographic data collection and projections are part of the study for the ongoing Draft DP.
■ Who will clear the big projects?
The DP is being prepared in consultation with the Town Planning department. Data of physical and social infrastructure, industries, demography etc. is being collected.
■ Has MMRDA engaged with local stakeholders, panchayats, and residents regarding development in the region?
Draft DP once prepared, will be published for inspection and providing suggestions. Public consultation will be carried out.
10 villages in alibaug identified for road development
Vave | Beloshi | Mahajne | Mahan | Phansapur | Gaychole | Katalpada | Awas Phata | Bhonang-Talavali | Chowl
Timeline for completion of 325-cr road project
:
For work totalling 251 cr of 325 cr, construction period is 24 months (including monsoon)
Poynad Growth Center to impact Alibaug?
Poynad Junction Growth Center was notified in Final Regional Plan 2016-36. Significant development potential is seen in this area in Alibaug taluka. But MMRDA is not Planning Authority for this area.