Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 25: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday, October 25, assured farmers that the government would stand by them until their concerns over the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) project were resolved. He stressed that planned development was essential to prevent haphazard urbanisation around Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Speaking at an event related to the NAINA project, Fadnavis said an airport should become a catalyst for economic growth, but without proper planning, development in the surrounding region could become chaotic. He said the government had initiated the NAINA project to ensure systematic growth in the area.
He acknowledged that farmers had been concerned about the allocation of land under the project, particularly regarding the 40 per cent land share they were expected to receive, as they did not know where the land would be allotted.
The chief minister said the government had directed the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to make necessary corrections to the final development plan and resubmit it. He added that the project's groundbreaking ceremony would take place only when farmers received the documents relating to their land. He said the government had followed this approach.
Fadnavis also credited Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who had approved the project when he was chief minister and urban development minister. He said several issues that had remained unresolved for two years were addressed during a meeting with Shinde.
Assuring farmers of continued support, Fadnavis said he and the other leaders would remain with them until their concerns were resolved. He also praised the local legislators for consistently pursuing the issue.
Welcoming CIDCO's publication of a book explaining the NAINA project, Fadnavis said the initiative would help provide people with information about the development plan.
He emphasised that local residents should receive the first opportunity to benefit from the economic opportunities created by development. He described the proposed Third Mumbai region as a future growth engine for Maharashtra, alongside areas such as Thane, Raigad, Navi Mumbai and Palghar.
Fadnavis also highlighted plans to improve connectivity to Navi Mumbai International Airport. He said the journey from Worli to the Atal Setu would be signal-free, helping passengers travel more smoothly towards the airport.
The government also plans to integrate various infrastructure projects to ensure that drinking water reaches settlements across the region in the coming years.