NMMC upset as Cidco appointed to plan for villages falling in its purview

THANE: With the notification it is stated that the decision on any form of planning in these villages is now to be taken by Cidco
In a notice issued by the Urban Development Department (UDD) on October 31, 2017, it was notified that Cidco will be the special planning authority for 16 villages of which a few fall within the purview of the NMMC. “The notification is baffling because NMMC is the local planning authority for areas falling under its jurisdiction.The government appointing Cidco as the special planning authority has created a dual authority in these parts which is unheard of,” said a senior official from the town planning department.
With the notification it is stated that the decision on any form of planning in these villages is now to be taken by Cidco.
“Ideally, suggestions and objections should have been sought before coming out with such a notification. A letter is to be addressed seeking some clarity in this regard,” said the official. Meanwhile, corporators too are terming the notification to be a major blow for the city’s development.
“The civic body had plans to develop some parts of villages like Savli as a tourist destination. However, with this notification whereby the authority of development has been shifted to Cidco, it has paved way for big developers to stake claim to these lands,” said corporator Kishor Patkar.
Repeated attempts to contact Cidco went unanswered.
The civic body had plans to develop some parts of villages like Savli as a tourist destination. However with this notification whereby the authority of development has been shifted to Cidco, it has paved way for big developers to stake claim to these lands as well