Maharashtra Fisheries Department Seeks Stake in Mumbai Coastal Road Revenue
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Department seeks a share of revenue from BMC for land used in the Mumbai coastal road project. Minister Nitesh Rane emphasizes the need for financial compensation for the MMB's land and plans to monetize these assets.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra Fisheries Department requests revenue share.
- Potential revenue estimated at Rs 2,000 crore.
- MMB land currently used without compensation.
- New policy to monetize lands through hoardings.
- Focus on improving freshwater fishing rankings.
Mumbai, March 25 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Department has formally requested the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to receive a portion of the profits generated from advertising and other activities on land that belongs to the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), which has been designated for the development of the Mumbai coastal road.
On Tuesday, Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane sent a letter to BMC Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, advocating for this arrangement.
“The MMB granted an NOC in May 2016 for the BMC to utilize its land for the coastal road's construction. The entire land area beyond CRZ from Raj Bhavan to Dahanu is owned by the MMB. Following the coastal road project, several land parcels have been developed through sea reclamation.
“The MMB should have those lands assigned back to it, which can be leveraged for various commercial activities like hoardings or events, generating revenue for the MMB,” the minister stated.
Minister Rane estimated that the total revenue potential from this endeavor could reach around Rs 2,000 crore.
“We merely provided an NOC for utilizing our land, but did not finalize an agreement for the land's return. Other departments that offer land for various purposes receive financial benefits. The Fisheries and Ports Department should also obtain a revenue share,” he emphasized.
According to Minister Rane, several land parcels owned by the MMB are currently being utilized by other agencies without proper financial compensation. “We are formulating our own policy regarding hoardings, which will assist us in monetizing our lands,” he added.
Additionally, the minister indicated that the department is considering increasing the rental rates for MMB lands in the western suburbs of Mumbai that are used for film shootings.
In a related effort, the minister mentioned that to elevate Maharashtra from its current 17th position in freshwater fishing to among the top five in the nation, the state government has lifted the ban on contractor appointments for fishing in lakes exceeding 50 hectares.
