MSRDC gets hold of plots in Nepean Sea Road, Malabar Hill

The Maharashtra government has handed over two pieces of foreshore land at Nepean Sea Road and Malabar Hill to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) under the public works department (PWD). The land measuring 6,210 square metres at both places were unaccounted earlier and the revenue department has now acquired the same for the MSRDC.  

“The plots at Malabar Hill and Nepean Sea Road are government properties but were never taken into account before. Now we have given it survey numbers. The MSRDC had demanded the plot and hence, we have handed it over to the authority. Now, the MSRDC will have to prepare rules and regulation before any development can take place of the two lands,” an official from the revenue department said. The department has also issued a government resolution dated November 10, 2016.

“The plots come under Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) and hence, require permission from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and Ministry of Environment and Forest for the undertaking of any work. The plots are shown in the proposed Development Plan (DP) by the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) in the ‘D’ ward. The MSRDC will have to prepare land disposal rules for the plots,” the official added.

However, vice chairman and managing director of the MSRDC Radheshyam Mopalwar said the plots were handed over to the authority long ago. “We had given the plots in 1996 and 2002. During this time, legal procedures were conducted such as making a property card on the authority’s name. Now we can appoint a consultant to understand what can be done on the plots. Currently, we have no plan for any development on the plots,” Mr Mopalwar said.

The plots are seen an assets for the MSRDC considering that they are in the high profile areas of south Mumbai. The land prices are also very high in the area. It is not exactly known if the MSRDC has paid any price for the plots at Malabar Hill and Nepean Sea road.

“The MSRDC has its office in Nepean Sea Road which might help the authority to expand after the new plot is made available. Also, the authority will have to show its assets for the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway,” an official from the Mantralaya said on the condition of anonymity.