The 400 KV Power Corridor controversy in Ambernath MIDC has gained attention after allegations surfaced regarding the allotment of a 200-square-metre plot to M/s Arul Cluster Association within the vicinity of a high-voltage transmission corridor. The complainant has questioned whether mandatory safety norms under Central Electricity Authority regulations and Right of Way requirements were adequately considered before the allotment was approved. Concerns have also been raised regarding the authenticity and process surrounding a reported No Objection Certificate relied upon during the allocation. An RTI application has now been filed seeking official records related to the allotment, approvals, and compliance procedures.

400 KV Power Corridor Plot Allotment Under Scrutiny in Ambernath MIDC; RTI Seeks Records, Criminal Action Warning Issued

A plot allegedly allotted within the safety corridor of a 400 KV extra-high-voltage transmission line in Anandnagar MIDC, Ambernath, has triggered serious questions over public safety, regulatory compliance, and the authenticity of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) reportedly relied upon for the allocation. An RTI application has now sought key documents related to the allotment.

A controversial land allotment inside what is alleged to be a protected safety corridor beneath a 400 KV extra-high-voltage transmission line in the Additional Ambernath Industrial Area (Anandnagar MIDC) has come under scrutiny following allegations that mandatory electrical safety norms may have been overlooked during the approval process.

According to information obtained by the complainant, a 200-square-metre plot was allotted to M/s Arul Cluster Association by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), reportedly subject to a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the electricity authorities. However, concerns have been raised that the allotment falls within the buffer zone or Right of Way (RoW) associated with a high-voltage transmission corridor carrying approximately 400,000 volts.

The matter has now become the subject of a Right to Information (RTI) inquiry seeking official records relating to the allotment, the NOC process, and the approvals granted by MIDC authorities.

Safety Norms and Right of Way Concerns

The complaint cites provisions of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Regulations, 2022, and relevant Indian Standards, including IS Code 5613, which prescribe safety clearances around high-voltage transmission infrastructure.

According to the representation, a designated Right of Way corridor is required beneath and around extra-high-voltage transmission lines to ensure operational safety and public protection. For 400 KV transmission lines, the prescribed corridor is stated to range between approximately 46 and 52 metres, depending on the tower design and technical specifications.

The complainant has alleged that permanent or temporary structures are generally restricted within such safety corridors and that land within these areas is ordinarily reserved for roads, open spaces, utility corridors, or parking rather than industrial or commercial development.

Questions Raised Over Alleged NOC

A significant aspect of the controversy relates to the alleged No Objection Certificate relied upon for the allotment.

According to correspondence cited in the complaint, MIDC’s Regional Office (Thane Division-II) reportedly referred to an NOC obtained from electricity authorities. However, the complainant has questioned how an NOC permitting industrial usage could have been issued for land allegedly situated within the immediate vicinity of a 400 KV transmission tower and conductor corridor.

The representation has requested verification of the document’s authenticity and the process through which it was accepted by MIDC officials.

No official findings have yet been released regarding the validity or legality of the NOC, and the allegations remain subject to verification by the concerned authorities.

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RTI Application Seeks Complete File Records

The issue has been formally pursued through an RTI application filed by Sudhir Sharad Gujar, senior journalist and RTI activist associated with Sprouts News.

The application seeks certified copies of several documents, including:

• The original NOC was submitted by M/s Arul Cluster Association.
• Verification reports and file notings were prepared by MIDC officials regarding the NOC.
• Complete note sheets and approval records related to the plot allotment.
• Minutes and resolutions of the MMC meeting held on 24 November 2023 concerning the proposal.
• Registration documents, constitution, and office-bearer details of the beneficiary association.
• Copies of any MIDC rules, government resolutions, or policy provisions permitting allotment of industrial plots within such safety-sensitive areas.

Possibility of Criminal Proceedings Raised

The complainant has further alleged that if documents are found to be false, fabricated, or obtained through misrepresentation, criminal proceedings may be sought under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, as well as applicable provisions of the Electricity Act.

The representation refers to provisions relating to acts endangering human life, cheating, forgery, and the use of allegedly forged documents before public authorities.

At present, no criminal case has been registered in relation to the allegations, and no authority has officially concluded that any document is forged or that any law has been violated.

Authorities Yet to Respond

The allegations have generated discussion within industrial and administrative circles because of the potential safety implications associated with development near extra-high-voltage infrastructure.

Sprouts News understands that the RTI proceedings are underway and that the requested records may shed further light on the approval process, the role of officials involved, and whether all statutory safety requirements were complied with before the allotment was granted.

Until official records are examined and authorities complete any verification process, the allegations remain claims made by the complainant.

Readers’ Appeal

Readers who possess documents, information, photographs, official records, or evidence related to public-interest issues, corruption, administrative irregularities, infrastructure safety, environmental violations, industrial land allotments, or regulatory compliance may contact Unmesh Gujarathi, Investigative Journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Sprouts News, on 9322755098.

Whistleblowers and concerned citizens may share information in confidence. Every submission will be reviewed, verified, and investigated in the larger public interest.

Editorial Note:

This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.