Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Transfer of Government Lands to Metropolitan Authorities

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Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Transfer of Government Lands to Metropolitan Authorities

Synopsis

On April 8, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the transfer of government lands to the Metropolitan Region Development Authorities for Nagpur, Pune, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, allowing them to raise funds for infrastructure development. Additionally, the Cabinet greenlit the redevelopment of buildings in Greater Mumbai under MHADA.

Key Takeaways

  • Transfer of government lands to Metropolitan Authorities approved.
  • Authorities can utilize lands for raising funds for infrastructure.
  • Separate records of land use to be maintained and digitized.
  • Cabinet sanctioned redevelopment of buildings in Mumbai.
  • FSI of four approved for redevelopment projects.

Mumbai, April 8 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has granted approval for the transfer of government lands within the jurisdiction of Nagpur, Pune, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Metropolitan Region Development Authorities to the respective authorities.

According to the decision, all encumbered government lands in the metropolitan region will be transferred to the authorities under the guidelines established by the state government.

An official indicated that the responsible authorities will be able to utilize these lands as a means of generating funds for infrastructure in line with the approved regional or development plan.

The Cabinet also sanctioned the disposal of lands allocated to the authorities following the stipulated rules, and each authority is required to promptly formulate its own land disposal regulations with state government approval.

A government announcement stated that distinct records concerning the utilization of these lands will be maintained at the Revenue and Forest Department level and will be digitized.

It was emphasized that if the lands include barren, gurcharan, temple, or forest lands, actions must be taken in accordance with the directives of the Supreme and High Courts.

Furthermore, if the lands to be transferred are currently occupied by a local body, Gram Panchayat, or Zilla Parishad, the authorities must obtain permission or a resolution from the relevant bodies prior to any development.

The government release highlighted that this decision will significantly enhance the authorities' capacity to secure funding for essential infrastructure development in the metropolitan area, thus expediting progress.

In addition, the Cabinet approved the joint redevelopment of buildings under the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority located at Bandra Reclamation and Adarsh Nagar in Greater Mumbai.

An official stated that consent has been granted for the redevelopment of several cooperative housing societies under MHADA in Bandra Reclamation and Adarsh Nagar.

The Cabinet also authorized the selection of a Construction and Development Agency through MHADA without requiring approval for the redevelopment of the remaining single buildings, except for the plots that have received such permission.

According to officials, for the proposed joint redevelopment, a four-floor space index (FSI) will be granted with prior government approval. Out of the four FSIs, one will be allocated in the form of housing stock. Consequently, the bidder who offers the maximum housing stock to MHADA and meets the financial and physical requirements of the tender process will be appointed for redevelopment. All government directives must be adhered to throughout the tender process.

The area of Bandra Reclamation spans 197,466 square meters, while Adarsh Nagar (Worli) covers 68,034 square meters. The developer chosen by MHADA will be required to present consent letters from 51 percent of the total members from both regions to MHADA.

Furthermore, the Construction and Development Organisation will be tasked with rehabilitating the original landowners and residents of these projects, providing them with temporary accommodations, covering rent for alternative sites, offering corpus funds, and developing all necessary infrastructure.