Cidco wants Arunachal govt to return itsVashi plot within 90 days

MISUSE Plot was given for construction of state guesthouse, is being used for commercial activities instead, says Cidco

CBD BELAPUR: Cidco has cancelled the allotment of plot to Arunachal Pradesh (AP) government for construction of Arunachal Bhavan -- a guesthouse and an emporium -- over alleged misuse of the plot and commercial use of the building. The Cidco officials have also found that the plot has been given to a third party on build operate and transfer basis, without seeking permission from the authority.

“We have issued a notice to the Arunachal government and they have been asked to handover the plot to Cidco within 90 days. We have instructed the town planning department to take action if the possession of the plot is not handed over in the stipulated time,” said V Radha, joint managing director, Cidco.

The Arunachal government officials could not be contacted, but sources claimed the matter could go into litigation.

After the state government issued an order, Cidco prepared a policy for allotment of plots in sector 30A of Vashi to various states for construction of their emporiums and guesthouses. On August 1, 1997, Cidco signed a contract with the Arunachal government for allotment of a 2,331-sqm plot in the area for construction of Arunachal Bhavan.

Instead of constructing an emporium or a guesthouse, the Arunachal government allegedly gave the plot to a builder on a BOT basis and a building was constructed. Currently, the structure houses various commercial stores and offices. In May 2014, Cidco sent a showcause notice to the AP government, seeking an explanation. The reply, which was sent on June 30, 2014, allegedly pointed to flouting of norms, after which Cidco decided to take action. “They have brazenly changed the use of the plot. Having a jewellery showroom at a state guesthouse makes no sense,” said Radha.

But as the Cidco’s plot has been leased to a state government, the agency had asked the Maharashtra government to give its recommendation on the action to be taken.

“We had apprised the state government and the action was initiated after its nod,” said Radha, adding the documents were verified by him and Cidco managing director Sanjay Bhatia.