NAVI MUMBAI – A growing administrative deadlock over land acquisition clarity has brought several residential and commercial building projects to a standstill across Navi Mumbai’s village areas. The stalemate, fueled by a jurisdictional “tug-of-war” between two government bodies, has left developers and private landowners unable to move forward with construction.
The deadlock: PCMC vs. CIDCO
The conflict centers on a disagreement between the Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO). Under current regulations, PCMC requires an official No Objection Certificate (NOC) from CIDCO before it can approve building plans or issue occupancy certificates for new developments.
However, CIDCO has reportedly been hesitant to issue these certificates for projects located on private land. According to local reports, CIDCO maintains that as a New Town Development Authority, it only grants permissions for lands it has officially acquired and leased. This has created a “catch-22” for developers: PCMC won’t approve the project without the NOC, and CIDCO claims it isn’t their role to provide one for private property.
Projects caught in the middle
The impact of this Navi Mumbai land dispute is felt most heavily in the urban-rural fringes where private “Gaothan” (village) lands are being developed.
“Many projects have been held up, which discourages genuine landowners simply because there is no clarity on land acquisition”, said Rajeev Mishra, a local activist. He noted that even when local planning bodies are ready to approve a project, CIDCO often raises a dispute afterward, effectively freezing the development.
Call for Government Intervention
The root of the issue stretches back to a 2017 urban development notification that mandated coordination between the two agencies. While intended to ensure organized growth, the lack of a clear boundary between the two authorities has instead created a bureaucratic knot.
Developers argue that the current system is not sustainable. Without a “single-window” clearance or a definitive ruling from the state government, the construction sector in Navi Mumbai, one of India’s fastest-growing regions, could see a significant slowdown.
Industry experts are now urging the state government to step in and resolve the Navi Mumbai land dispute by clearly defining the powers of each body. They suggest that a simplified process for private land would protect the interests of both the developers and the future residents who are waiting for their homes.
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Disclaimer – This article provides a general overview of the current administrative situation in Navi Mumbai. It is not intended as legal advice. Readers should consult with official authorities for specific project updates.
Source – ET Realty
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