Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - HT Navi Mumbai Live
Govt unable to set deadline for airport land acquisition
The fate of the much awaited proposed international airport project in Navi Mumbai hangs in balance with the state government unable to fix a time frame for land acquisition of the 291 hectares that is yet to be acquired for the project.
Replying to a query over the proposed airport in the legislative assembly, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan admitted that the airport work cannot be taken up without completion of the land acquisition. Of the total 1,160 hectares of land needed for the aviation project, 291 hectares of privately owned land is yet to be acquired, he said.
This admission by the chief minister has come as a shocker to the city- based real estate developers and investors.
Puneet Sablok, partner in Kamdhenu Builders said “I have started 7 projects in Ulwe and Karanjade and was expecting the airport to be built soon but now it is disappointing to know that there is a delay.”
Manohar Shroff of Shivam Builders, and Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI), Navi Mumbai unit secretary said, “There is no political will towards this particular project. In the last 20 years, the media has highlighted that the airport would come up soon but the government’s recent announcement has shattered the hopes of many real estate investors.”
Arvind Goel, MCHI Navi Mumbai president said “It is very unfortunate. The government has failed miserably to fulfill the expectations of the common man. Many 5 star hotels had opened here, expecting good business prospects due to the airport and of course this sort of decision will lead to a loss,” he said.
Devang Trivedi, secretary of Builders Association of Navi Mumbai and managing director of Progressive Group said “This project needs to be implement- ed at any cost. It is like a dream now for the city. The government should set up a body to ensure fast implementation of the airport project.”
“The government should give top priority to the project. Proper and stringent negotiations from the concerned authorities are expected,” he said.