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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Scrap approval for Dharavi redevpt masterplan: Congress MP to CM
Mumbai: Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday and submitted a letter demanding that the govt's approval given last week for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project's (DRP) masterplan be scrapped. She also challenged "Fadnavis and his Adani Sarkar" to hold a public hearing on the masterplan. Posting TOI's ground reports on local resistance to the ongoing eligibility survey in Dharavi on X, she asked how the masterplan was cleared without public consultations or inviting suggestions and objections as mandated under MRTP Act for draft development plans. The project is among the largest urban transformation schemes in the world and is being implemented by Navbharat Mega Developers Private Ltd. It is an SPV between the state govt and Adani group , which holds 80% stake. Speaking to TOI, the project's CEO, SVR Srinivas, clarified that the masterplan was not a development plan (DP) and that public suggestions and objections would be invited when changes are made in the future to the Dharavi DP, which was published in 2016. "The masterplan lays out the broad strategy. It is not a DP which gives details on land use. There is an existing DP for Dharavi which was published in 2016. When changes are made to that 2016 Dharavi DP, we will be inviting suggestions and objections," said Srinivas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Après 60 ans, vos genoux vous font souffrir ? Essayez ceci Confort genou Undo He also said the masterplan was based on the 2016 DP. "There is over 90% consonance between the 2016 DP and the masterplan," he said. Gaikwad referred to the project as a "mega land-grab". "This is not a development plan but a master-plan for the most unjust mass displacement in urban India's history," she said on X. She also called it "Adani's Dharavi Vinash Master Plan." Gaikwad said barely 40% of the survey documentation work was complete after three years, an indication of the "massive public unrest" about the project. She also asked why the survey was being conducted by "Adani's men" instead of the land-owning govt agencies, as is the case in such projects. "Threats, force, and undue pressure have been put on people to participate in the survey," she alleged. She also said the govt should put the list of those found eligible and ineligible in the public domain. In response, Srinivas told TOI the bulk of local tenements were surveyed. "Around 1 lakh tenements have already been surveyed. Only around 20,000 are remaining. We have issued multiple notices for people to come forward and participate in the survey because we do not want to exclude anyone," said Srinivas. He said the DRP conducted a drone survey in 2023 and a LiDAR survey to map the area. He denied charges that "Adani's men" were conducting the survey to identify eligible tenements. "As in most SRA projects, the survey is being conducted by an agency. It is being financed by the Adani group. But a govt official is present during the survey and all receipts are issued by the govt official," said Srinivas.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Dharavi Redevelopment Project: Dharavi MP Varsha Gaikwad, Opp leaders meet CM; seek masterplan rollback
A delegation led by senior Congress leader and Dharavi Lok Sabha MP Varsha Gaikwad on Monday met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and demanded withdrawal of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project's masterplan approved by the government last week, terming it 'undemocratic', 'opaque' and in violation of legal norms. The Opposition delegation met Fadnavis at Sahyadri Guest House and submitted a formal representation alleging that the Dharavi Redevelopment Project — referred to in the letter as the 'Dharavi Vinash Yojana' — was being pushed forward without the consent of Dharavi's residents and in violation of provisions of the MRTP Act. 'We sought the government's approval to the Dharavi plan to be rolled back immediately. The people of Dharavi have not been taken into confidence. They deserve to have a say in shaping their future,' Gaikwad said after the meeting, adding that the approval to the masterplan was done secretively and without disclosure, bypassing essential steps such as public hearings and environmental assessments. The MRTP Act mandates public consultations before preparing any development plan. However, residents were not informed or invited to submit suggestions or objections, the delegation said. The masterplan lacks statutory sanction and is, therefore, unconstitutional and illegal, it argued. The memorandum said that so far only 15,171 households have been surveyed and the surveys were allegedly conducted three years ago, many done by private contractors or institutes without a clear mechanism for public verification. The memorandum also alleged the masterplan lacks clarity on ownership and rights and hence is potentially exploitative. The delegation accused the government of prioritising profit over people. The delegation demanded that apart from withdrawing the masterplan, the government must restart the planning process under the MRTP Act with proper public notices, hearings and transparency, and demanded that a fresh, third-party survey and audit of the area be conducted. 'I am not opposing redevelopment,' Gaikwad clarified. 'But this is not how it should be done. No democratic process can allow such a large-scale transformation without public participation. Dharavi must not be seen as real estate but as a living community,' she said, adding that the government must ensure full legal rights and consent from residents before taking any further steps.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Letter to CS on link road from Paud Phata to Balbharati
Pune: Leaders of the city-based "Aapla Parisar" forum, Ujjwal Keskar and Suhas Kulkarni, have written a letter to the chief secretary to allow the construction of the proposed Balbharati to Paud Phata road link. Keskar wrote, "The PMC ( Pune Municipal Corporation ) planned the Balbharati to Paud Phata road link by following all the provisions of the MRTP Act. The Bombay High Court rejected the petition regarding this road and allowed the PMC to construct it. The Supreme Court has not granted any stay on the project. The Central Empowered Committee does not have the authority to stay the direction of the high court; the Supreme Court has the sole authority." Keskar and Kulkarni sent the letter to the chief secretary after the Supreme Court-constituted Central Empowered Committee requested the chief secretary to ensure that no construction was carried out in the "deemed forest" area because its report on the proposed road link was pending consideration before the Supreme Court. Keskar claimed that the said area was not declared a deemed forest and hence, state govt should issue appropriate orders to the PMC to make this road available to people after completing all legal procedures. He also plans to approach the Union environment, forests and climate change minister, Bhupender Yadav, regarding the execution of the proposed road link. "We will put forth all the details and documents, and file a formal complaint with the Union environment minister seeking his intervention in the issue," Keskar said.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
BMC to amend devpt rules to allow temporary film, TV sets
Mumbai: Three years after an inquiry was initiated by the municipal commissioner into unauthorised construction of film studios at Madh, Marve, Erangal and Bhati in Malad, the BMC has proposed a key amendment to Mumbai's Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034. This amendment aims to formally allow temporary sets for films, TV serials and advertisements. The amendment, initiated under Section 37 (1) of the MRTP Act, 1966, seeks to modify Regulation 57 to include permission to temporary studios with prior approval from competent authorities. Citizens have one month from the publication of this notice to submit a feedback to the chief engineer (development plan), the BMC or the deputy director of town planning. "The provision for permission for the construction of temporary sets for film/TV serials is not included in DCPR 2034. However, on the other hand, the said UDCPR 2020 has a provision for such an activity," said the BMC in a notice published on May 16. UDCPR 2020 stands for Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations, 2020. The civic body, in its notice, has cited the lack of clear regulations around such constructions on open plots, especially in no development zones and coastal regulation zone areas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo A 2019 BMC circular allowed temporary filming structures in open plots, but its misuse led to permissions being granted in CRZ areas, violating environmental norms, stated BMC's May 16 notice, which sought to invite public suggestions and objections to its proposed modifications. "Based on this circular (2019), various permissions were issued on open plots situated in No Development Zone. The said practice led to granting permission even in CRZ-affected plots, which was considered a violation of the MCZMA & CRZ regulations. To avoid such irregularities and illegal activity, a committee was formed to review the circular for issuing permission to film studios in BMC jurisdiction." Permission can be granted for up to six months at a time and in aggregate not exceeding three years. When contacted, Development Plan department officials said the proposed amendment seeks to add a new category under Section 57 for temporary constructions. "Permissions will also generate revenue for the BMC," said an official. The BMC move comes days after the state govt held World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES). Also, last month the CM announced a creative economy hub plan for Malad.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Panvel: 96 Pioneer CHS flat owners get eviction notices as building fails to obtain OC
Panvel City Municipal Corporation has issued evacuation notices to all 96 flat owners of Pioneer CHS, Panvel, citing lack of occupancy certificate (OC), while apparently sparing architects, structural or RCC consultants and builders/developers of accountability. The corporation recently discontinued their water tanker service, which was being provided free of cost since November 2023, resulting in accumulated costs of Rs 18.54 lakh, despite recurring water tax payment defaults. The Ground+12 storey building's occupants received possession in 2017, but the society failed to secure Transfer of Development Rights and meet other requirements due to unauthorised construction. Several government officials, including police personnel and other departmental staff, purchased flats in the building after 2017, alongside the original 46 members. PCMC's Panvel ward officer, Rupali Mane, requested a site inspection separately. However, the authority's actions have drawn scrutiny as neither the three former architects nor the Panvel-based builders/developers received notices regarding the unauthorised construction. The corporation issued notices under MRTP Act to select flat owners and the society on December 5, 2017, regarding illegal occupation. On June 28, 2021, they requested various documents, including TDR, taxes and bills documentation. The society executed registered and unregistered agreements with developers/builders on September 28, 2012 and October 20, 2015. They obtained Construction Commencement certificate and appointed an architect without specifying the developers/builders. One developer copied his response to the society and other partners. Despite these irregularities, three daily water tankers (Rs 1200 each) were supplied without billing, causing financial losses to the corporation under political pressure. Deputy engineer Vilas Chavan confirmed, "We have stopped the water tanker supply." The property includes four shops owned by a retired ACP's son and former senior police inspector-Panvel, with several police officials, constables and government employees owning chief Mangesh Chitale remained unavailable for comment despite Mirror sending text messages for comment.
