Navi Mumbai: In a significant development, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued written orders to the Urban Development Department to regularize the necessary constructions undertaken by project victims in Navi Mumbai. This action follows persistent efforts and demands by MLA Ganesh Naik, who has been advocating for the rights of these individuals at the government level.

MLA Naik has also successfully secured approval for the establishment of a Marathi Bhasha Bhavan sub-centre in Airoli and an international sports complex in Ghansoli. The Deputy Chief Minister has instructed the respective departments to initiate the construction of these facilities.

The background of these issues dates back to the 1970s, when the government acquired land in 95 villages across Navi Mumbai, Thane, Panvel, and Uran at low prices, promising a 12.5 percent Gaothan expansion scheme. This scheme included developed plots, employment in CIDCO, and the construction of social facilities. However, these promises largely remain unfulfilled, with only 8.75 percent of the promised plots allotted so far. Additionally, the village boundaries, which should have been expanded every ten years, have not been increased, leading to significant hardships for the original project victims.

MLA Naik has consistently raised these concerns, seeking the regularization of houses and commercial constructions built by the project-affected villagers. Despite the provision for regularization in a government decision dated January 23, 2010, a subsequent decision on February 25, 2022, only provided for leasing the land, with no final decision on the matter. This has left many constructions unregularized, and the villagers continue to face the threat of demolition.

In response to MLA Naik's persistent advocacy, Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis has now directed the relevant authorities to address these issues and fulfill the promises made to the project victims. The Deputy Chief Minister has also instructed the Principal Secretary of the Industries and Sports Departments to take action on the establishment of the Marathi Bhasha Bhavan sub-centre in Airoli and the international sports complex in Ghansoli.

International Standard Sports Complex at Ghansoli

Navi Mumbai is home to many athletes who have excelled at national and international levels but lack adequate facilities and support. Following repeated demands by MLA Naik, CIDCO has allocated 36 acres of land in Ghansoli sectors 12, 12A, and 13 for the construction of a sports complex. However, the reserved 42-acre plot for the Konkan Divisional Sports Complex has not yet been handed over to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation.

The initial decision to move the regional sports complex to Nanore in Mangaon was met with resistance, and MLA Naik has demanded that the complex be established in Ghansoli as originally planned. He has submitted written requests to both CIDCO and the Deputy Chief Minister to expedite this process.

Marathi Bhasha Bhavan Sub-Center at Airoli

The Marathi Bhasha Bhavan sub-centre in Sector 13, Airoli, Plot No.-6A, has received all necessary approvals, and the construction work will be carried out by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) funded by the Marathi Bhasha Department. Despite these approvals, the project has yet to commence. MLA Naik's written demands for immediate action have led to the initiation of the process to establish this sub-centre.