Maharashtra Government directs NMMC to process stalled projects, raising hopes of larger homes for residents of Ghansoli.

The Hope

Around 3,260 families living in the Simplex settlement in Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, have received fresh hope for redevelopment after the Maharashtra government directed the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to process stalled projects.

The settlement was developed by CIDCO in 2004 for Mathadi workers. Residents have been waiting for redevelopment for over two decades, as many families continue to live in small flats measuring around 150 square feet. With families growing over the years, the limited living space has become a major concern. Residents hope redevelopment will provide them with larger homes measuring over 500 square feet, offering better living conditions and more space for their families.

The projects had faced delays after the NMMC general body decided in August to put Urban Renewal Scheme projects on hold to assess their impact on roads, water supply, parking and other civic infrastructure.

The state government has now clarified that projects already notified or pending before the high-powered committee cannot be stopped through a general body resolution. Three of the five redevelopment proposals in Ghansoli and Vashi have received committee approval.

However, the projects will require further scrutiny and final state government approval. The NMMC must also assess the impact of redevelopment on civic infrastructure and the environment. The government’s directive has renewed hopes among residents who have been waiting for improved housing conditions for years.

New facilities to offer free primary healthcare, vaccinations, medical tests and screening for diabetes and hypertension.

The Centres

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched 59 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to improve access to primary healthcare and provide essential medical services closer to residents’ homes.

The centres were virtually inaugurated by Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on the occasion of Dussehra during a programme held at NMMC’s CBSE School No. 94 in Kopar Khairane. Established under the National Urban Health Mission and the 15th Finance Commission, the centres aim to strengthen healthcare services, particularly for people who may find it difficult to access larger hospitals for routine medical needs.

The facilities will provide free treatment for minor illnesses, including common ailments such as fever and cough. Services will also include maternal and child healthcare, antenatal check-ups, vaccinations and postnatal care. Residents will be able to undergo blood tests and screening for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These services are expected to help identify health conditions at an early stage and encourage timely treatment. The centres will be staffed by healthcare professionals, including medical officers, nurses and multipurpose health workers. Free medicines will also be provided as required.

During the inauguration, Naik expressed confidence that the new facilities would make reliable healthcare more accessible to residents near their homes. The initiative is part of NMMC’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and reduce the need for residents to visit major civic hospitals for basic medical services.

Decision sparks political tensions between Eknath Shinde and Ganesh Naik over redevelopment and civic infrastructure concerns.

The Projects

The Maharashtra government’s Urban Development Department, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has lifted the stay on five cluster redevelopment projects in Vashi and Ghansoli, intensifying political differences with Forest Minister Ganesh Naik.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) had earlier decided to halt approvals for cluster redevelopment projects until a detailed study was conducted on their impact on the city’s infrastructure. Concerns were raised about the additional pressure redevelopment could place on roads and other civic facilities.

However, the state government has now cleared the way for five projects to move forward. According to reports, three projects had already received approval from a high-level committee headed by NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, while the remaining proposals were being processed.

The projects cover more than 1.25 lakh square metres across Vashi and Ghansoli. Ganesh Naik criticised the decision and indicated that he would approach the court. He maintained that concerns regarding infrastructure and the city’s future development needed to be addressed before redevelopment approvals were granted.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena district chief Kishor Patkar criticised Naik and his supporters for allegedly delaying the projects. He also raised concerns about the safety of residents living in old and dilapidated buildings.

The decision has brought the differences between Shinde and Naik into focus, despite their parties being political allies in Maharashtra. The dispute centres on balancing the redevelopment of ageing buildings with the need to protect Navi Mumbai’s infrastructure and residents’ safety.