MUMBAI: The Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday approved a land acquisition and allotment policy for the proposed “Third Mumbai” project which is coming up in the influence area of Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu.
The policy is aimed at accelerating the planned urban development and investment in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
The policy will apply to development projects to be implemented by the New Town Development Authority, appointed for the influence area of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Shivdi-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, and by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
The decision is expected to provide a clear framework for planned urbanisation, industrial investment, logistics hubs, residential and commercial projects, and infrastructure development in the Atal Setu influence area, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
The policy envisages land acquisition either through mutual consent under Section 126(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, or by determining compensation under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
CM Devendra Fadnavis chaired the cabinet meeting.
The Cabinet has also approved acquisition through compensation in the form of Floor Space Index (FSI) or Transferable Development Rights (TDR), instead of cash, under Section 126(10) of the MRTP Act. Additional FSI or TDR may be granted where required for amenities and construction purposes.
A 22.5 per cent land return policy will be implemented under the new framework. For privately-owned land acquired through negotiation, project-affected persons will be provided with developed plots in line with government resolutions dated March 1, 2014, and May 28, 2014. If the developed plot area under the 22.5 per cent return scheme is less than 40 square metres, cash compensation will be given instead.
To promote industrial development in undeveloped areas, the Cabinet approved the implementation of a ‘pass-through policy’.
Under this policy, the cost of land acquisition compensation and infrastructure development will be recovered from plot holders in instalments. The full land acquisition cost, registration charges and establishment expenses will be borne by the allottee, with MMRDA levying a 15 per cent establishment charge, the CMO stated.
MMRDA will not provide infrastructure in such areas, and land will be allotted on an “as-is-where-is” basis. Any future increase in compensation will also be recovered from the allottee. A formal agreement will be executed between MMRDA and the plot holder based on these conditions.
To attract foreign direct investment (FDI), industries bringing in FDI to the Atal Setu influence area will be given priority in land allotment, in line with the MIDC policy. Such investors must acquire a minimum of 100 acres of land and invest at least Rs 250 crore per 100 acres within four years, excluding land cost.
Sale or transfer of undeveloped land will not be permitted. Up to 25 per cent of the total developed area will be allowed for FDI projects, subject to eligibility criteria and conditions laid down by MMRDA, according to the statement.
The Cabinet also approved inviting proposals from land aggregators for land development and for setting up development hubs through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) on a partnership basis.
The MMRDA has been directed to prepare detailed land allotment rules and submit them to the government for approval.
MMRDA has been further instructed to present a robust revenue model to maximise government and authority revenues through infrastructure development.
The decision is expected to accelerate the development of Third Mumbai and lead to the emergence of new urban and industrial growth centres in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The cabinet also approved a long-term loan of Rs 15,000 crore from NABARD to complete water resources projects, benefiting around 8 lakh hectares of agricultural land across the state.
The cabinet has allocated 12.76 hectares of government land at Vikaswadi in Karveer taluka of Kolhapur district for an international-standard cricket stadium.
To speed up the Purandar airport project in Pune district, the cabinet approved the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and a loan of Rs 6,000 crore for land acquisition and allied works.
The loan will be repaid by state agencies, including the MIDC, MADC and CIDCO, according to their shareholding, with the Maharashtra government providing approval and guarantee.
Fadnavis said 96 per cent of the farmers have given their consent for the project.
The cabinet cleared the launch of the ‘Majha Gaav, Arogya Sampanna Gaav’ (My Village, Healthy Village) campaign to improve health at the village level, which will run from April 1 to March 31, 2027, with an annual budget of Rs 80.75 crore.
The cabinet has approved the transfer of 1,000 acres of land at Ratnapuri Mala in Indapur taluka of Pune district to MIDC for the development of a new industrial estate.
In Mumbai, the cabinet approved a joint development plan on MHADA land at Kolekalyan in Andheri to develop tennis infrastructure through the MahaTennis Foundation.
The cabinet also cleared an ordinance for the settlement of pending tax, interest, penalty, and late fee dues, and amendments to laws related to public universities and private unaided professional educational institutions, the statement said.
