Future of Mira-Bhayandar proposed development plan hangs in balance

The corridors of power in the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) were recently abuzz with news of alleged leak of a part of the proposed Development Plan (DP) going viral on social media platforms even before it had left the drawing board.

A call to attention motion (which the MBMC had erroneously stated as starred question) in this context was also raised in the legislative assembly.

However, the fate of the revised draft DP continues to hang in balance as there has been no clarity on the issue from the state government for the past nearly six months.

This is despite the announcement made by Minister of State Ranjit Patil that the 20year vision document would be scrapped for fresh formulation, thus posing a question mark on its actual status.

The DP was mired in controversy over accusations of biased methodology aimed at favouritism. Approved in May 1997, the DP’s existence after 20 years, paving the way for a fresh 20-year vision document till 2037.

The DP was mired in controversy over accusations of biased methodology aimed at favouritism

Apart from the BJP-led governance seeking part modifications, the civic administration has now submitted a resolution which will be tabled before the general body on Thursday, mooting a sixmonth extension on the validity of existing DP, even as the revised draft document has been put on the backburner.

“Since state government directives in context to the revised draft development plan are expected any moment, the extension proposal has been prepared,” said civic chief Balaji Khatgaonkar.