CIDCO’s Rs 300 Cr Land Trouble
• Land Records Missing, Files Stolen
•Mumbai Redevelopment Hits Roadblock
Machindra Patil
Sprouts News Network
CIDCO had deposited Rs 75 crore with the land acquisition authority six years ago. But as per the High Court’s order, it will now be required to pay an additional Rs 100 crore to the landowner, Puranik. Moreover, under the new land acquisition law, CIDCO must also allot 20% of the acquired land—approximately 7,200 sq. m.—to the landowner, whose current market value is estimated to exceed Rs 200 crore.
Shockingly, CIDCO has not initiated any detailed verification to determine if Survey No. 59/8 falls under previous acquisitions. Officials have not even cross-verified adjacent land survey records, nor has the revenue department shown interest. Further complicating the issue, critical land measurement records from Asudgaon were stolen from the Panvel Land Records Office.
• CIDSO's Missing Land Files Add to Redevelopment Project Confusion
Despite the theft of land records—including Survey No. 59—from the Panvel Metro Center Office, no FIR was registered by the Land Records Department. It was only on April 14, 2022, that Khandeshwar Police registered a case regarding stolen files, pointing to deeper administrative gaps.
The situation raises questions not just about urban governance but also about the implementation of redevelopment projects in Mumbai. Land record transparency and secure documentation remain crucial pillars for fair land acquisition under any urban development policy.
Also Read: Mumbai Minor POSCO Case: Bombay HC Grants Bail After 3.5 Years.
• Legislative Intervention Demanded in Housing Society Land Dispute
Maharashtra MLC Sunil Shinde had raised the Asudgaon land acquisition issue in the last legislative session, demanding an in-depth investigation and strict action against corrupt officials involved. Despite his pointed questions in the assembly, there has been no public update from either CIDCO or the state government regarding their responses.
Residents and stakeholders now ask what action followed Shinde’s demand and whether the state has truly addressed the alleged misuse of public funds in this redevelopment-linked acquisition. Sprouts News continues to follow the story, as accountability and transparency remain key issues in Navi Mumbai’s urban expansion plans.
