The Maharashtra Urban Development Department’s recent notification aims to designate an area in Raigad district as a “New Town” under the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). This transformation will have significant impacts on regional development, particularly around the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), a major infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the notification and its implications:
1. Key Objectives of the Notification:
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Creation of KSC New Town:
The 124 villages in the Raigad district, as listed in the notification, are being designated as part of a new urban development area called KSC New Town. This area is located in proximity to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving road connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. -
Economic Growth and Development:
The area’s designation as a “New Town” is part of a larger plan to capitalize on the MTHL’s economic benefits, improving the region’s accessibility and driving economic growth. The MTHL project, expected to provide substantial infrastructure improvements, will lead to increased commercial and residential developments in the region. -
Role of MMRDA as the New Town Development Authority (NTDA):
The MMRDA has been appointed as the New Town Development Authority (NTDA) for this area. As NTDA, MMRDA will be responsible for overseeing the urban planning and development of KSC New Town. This includes managing land acquisition, regulating construction activities, and ensuring that the infrastructure development is carried out efficiently. -
Replacing Existing Authorities:
Prior to this notification, certain planning functions in this area were handled by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), particularly for villages in the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (N-AIA) and Khopta New Town Notified Area. However, CIDCO’s role will now be withdrawn in favor of MMRDA for the new jurisdiction.
2. Area Coverage and Impact:
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Geographical Scope:
The 124 villages fall under three key talukas in the Raigad district: Uran, Panvel, and Pen. These villages will now fall under the jurisdiction of MMRDA for urban planning purposes. The area spans around 323.44 square kilometers and includes villages like Dighode, Kanthavali, Veshvi, and others. -
Infrastructural Significance:
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) is a major infrastructure project connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai through a sea bridge. The impact of MTHL is expected to be enormous, reducing travel time and creating new economic corridors between the two regions. The development of the KSC New Town area will capitalize on the rise in land value due to the MTHL and the enhanced accessibility it offers. -
Land Acquisition and Development:
The notification grants MMRDA the power to acquire land in the designated areas for development purposes, ensuring that the project is economically viable and that the development proceeds smoothly. This includes both private and public land acquisitions as necessary for the construction of infrastructure and urban facilities.
3. Planning and Development Responsibilities:
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Urban Planning and Development Control:
As the New Town Development Authority, MMRDA is required to prepare and publish detailed planning proposals for the area, including development control and promotion regulations. This means setting standards for land use, zoning, and construction. Until these proposals are fully sanctioned by the government, the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations of the Regional Plan will remain in place. -
Regulation and Future Growth:
MMRDA will also be responsible for regulating the construction of residential, commercial, and industrial projects within the new town area. This regulation is essential to ensure that the growth is sustainable and well-managed.
4. Impact on Existing Planning Authorities:
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CIDCO’s Role:
Previously, CIDCO was responsible for planning in some of the areas, especially the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Area and the Khopta New Town Notified Area. However, the government has withdrawn CIDCO’s planning authority in these areas. As per the notification, CIDCO will no longer be the planning authority in these 124 villages, and the full responsibility will now lie with MMRDA. -
Streamlined Governance:
The centralization of planning under MMRDA is expected to streamline governance and ensure that urban development is consistent and in line with regional planning objectives, particularly regarding infrastructure development and land use.
5. Detailed List of Villages:
The 124 villages included in the notification span various talukas in Raigad district. Below is a more detailed breakdown:
Villages in Uran Taluka:
- Dighode
- Kanthavali
- Veshvi
- Antrabamdakhar
- Bhom
- Bori Bk
- BorichaKotha
- ChikhliBhom
- Chirner
- Harishchandra Pimpale
- Jui
- Juipunade
- Kalambusare
- Punade
- Taki
- Vindhane
- Aware
- Bandhpada
- Dhasakhosi
- Govthane
- Kacherpada
- Kadape
- Koproli
- Pale
- Pirkone
- Sangpalekhar
- Sarde
- Talbandkhar
- Vasheni
Villages in Panvel Taluka:
- Kelavane
- Dighati
- Sai
- Barapada
- Dolghar
- Karnala
- Kasar Bhat
Villages in Pen Taluka:
- Rave
- Ambivali
- Balawali
- Govirle
- Hamrapur
- Kopar
- Kharpada
- Dushmi
- KauliSimadevi
- KharSimadevi
- Kharkoshim
- JuiKhurd
- JuiBudruk
- Jite
- Navkhar
- KharNandai
- Turkhul
- KharDubej
- Dadar
- Urnilee
- Sonkhar
- Khar Dutarfa Borli
- Kalave
- Hanumanpada
Additional Villages:
- Davre
- KharBorli
- Tambadshet
- Johe
- DolviDababa
- MotheVadhav
- Kaleshri
- Kanhoba
- Vitthalwadi
- MotheBhal
- … and more.
6. Public Access to the Notification:
- The notification, along with the list of villages and detailed maps, will be available for public inspection at various government offices, including the Director of Town Planning in Pune, the Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA in Mumbai, and the Assistant Director of Town Planning in Raigad.
7. Future Planning:
- MMRDA is expected to publish detailed planning proposals that will guide the development of KSC New Town. These proposals will set the stage for new infrastructure, housing projects, industrial development, and other urban facilities to make the area a thriving economic zone.
Conclusion:
The notification is part of the Maharashtra government’s strategy to foster urbanization and development in Raigad district, leveraging the economic potential of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. By appointing MMRDA as the New Town Development Authority, the government seeks to ensure that urban development in this newly designated area is well-planned, regulated, and integrated into the broader Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s growth trajectory. This shift in planning authority is expected to promote efficient development, better infrastructure, and enhanced connectivity, benefiting both the region’s economy and its residents.