Navi Mumbai’s long-awaited regularisation process of constructions carried out by the project-affected-person (PAP) has hit a roadblock. The state government had issued an ordinance before the assembly elections to legalize constructions built by project-affected people in 95 villages. Following this, CIDCO allocated Rs 41 crore to appoint a company to conduct a comprehensive survey. However, the process is now stuck as the Bombay High Court’s approval is required before the survey can begin.
The government had initially promised that the survey would be completed within a month, but delays in the tendering process meant that it took six months just to select a company. The work was awarded to a firm with experience in surveying the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The survey was expected to begin in April, but legal complications have halted progress.
The Bombay High Court had previously ruled that any policy for regularizing unauthorized constructions must receive court approval before implementation. Due to this requirement, the government must now file a petition seeking permission to conduct the survey. Reliable sources within CIDCO confirm that a formal request has already been submitted to the government. However, if the approval process is delayed further, project-affected people fear that the revised regularization policy may remain merely symbolic.
The survey will use satellite images and drone technology to map unauthorized constructions. CIDCO’s land measurement officials and district administration representatives will oversee the process. Only constructions built before February 25, 2022, will be eligible for survey and potential regularization. Instead of granting direct ownership, the policy may allow residents to lease the land for the next 60 years.
CIDCO’s legal department is working closely with the government to expedite court approval. Until then, project-affected residents remain in limbo, uncertain about the fate of their homes.
