PCMC awaits clarification from Bombay High Court on Nigdi flats

Officials said the PCMC had started issuing occupancy certificates to over 2,000 flats that have been constructed last year when the court ruling has come. “It is a big blow to the civic body,” officials said.

The court ruling followed a petition by Shiv Sena corporator Seema Savle alleging that the scheme was in violation of Works of Defence Act and it lacked necessary environmental clearance. The Shiv Sena had argued that the flats were being constructed within 2,000 yards of the Dehu Road Ammunition Depot,in violation of the Defence Act.

While Shiv Sena raised objections that it fell in the Red Zone area,the PCMC remained firm arguing that there was no violation. Mayor Yogesh Behl rubbished all accusations while asserting that the construction work met all the norms and provisions. Left with no choice,the Shiv Sena then approached the high court. Shiv Sena MP Gajanan Babar had even approached Defence Minister A K Antony over the matter who had reportedly promised to look into the issue.

Signifciantly,the court asked the district collector to initiate the process of measuring the land and preparing a plan as required under the Section 8 of the said Act in a time-bound manner and file a compliance report to the court.

The court has asked the collector to prepare the map in six months. “We will wait for preparation of the map,” said Sharma. Sena leader Sarang Kamtekar said after the map is prepared,the PCMC administration will be clearly exposed.

Kailas Kadam new Opposition leader

CONGRESS corporator Kailas Kadam has been appointed as the leader of opposition in the PCMC. Mayor Mohini Lande gave the letter of appointment to Kadam on Monday. There was a tussle between the Congress and the Shiv Sena for the post as both had 14 corporators. However,as many as eight independents decided to extend support to Congress.