Palghar to get model city

The revenue department has offered 1,500 acres of land to build a new city in neighbouring Palghar as a model city. The state government wanted the tribal-dominated district to have a model city so that it could become an example for the others.

Revenue minister Eknath Khadse got the proposal for the city approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday. The district, which is about 90 km away from Mumbai, was carved out of Thane two years ago and is still struggling to get its administrative facilities for the citizens.

“We proposed to the chief minister that a new city be built at Palghar as a model city. It will have all the government officers in one place and can become an example for the other cities. At present everything is so scattered that the local people find it difficult to get work done,” Mr Khadse said after the Cabinet meeting.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis not only approved the plan, but also suggested that Cidco design the project and help in implementing it, Mr Khadse said. “We have agreed to the chief minister’s proposal. The revenue department has offered 1,500 acres of land to the city and with FSI, the construction area will be more,” the minister added.

Carving out the district was a long-pending demand from the locals as they used to find it tough to visit Thane for government or administrative work. “The new city will not only have government officers, but also other facilities for the citizens. It will be like a model city for the locals,” he added. The district has a population of over one lakh.

The state government has also planned Warli Haat at the Palghar district to promote the arts and craft of tribals. Palghar became Maharashtra’s 36th district in 2014 after it was carved out from the most populous Thane district.