Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Sets Ambitious Target for Industrial Land Acquisition
In a significant move to boost industrial growth, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to initiate the process of acquiring one lakh acres of land for industrial purposes across the state. The directive came during a high-level review meeting held at Varsha, the official residence of the chief minister in Mumbai.
Transparent and Time-Bound Acquisition Process Emphasized
Chairing the meeting to assess key land acquisition proposals, CM Fadnavis stressed that the entire process must be conducted with utmost transparency and completed within strict timelines. He explicitly instructed officials to ensure that landowners do not face any inconvenience during the acquisition, highlighting the government's commitment to fair practices.
The chief minister assured that the state government would extend all necessary support to district administrations to facilitate and expedite the acquisition procedures. This support is expected to streamline bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate the availability of land for industrial development.
Current Land Availability and Rising Investor Demand
During the review meeting, officials presented data indicating that approximately 8,969 acres of land are currently available for industrial development across various state departments. Additionally, 20,431 acres have been newly acquired, showcasing ongoing efforts to expand the industrial land bank.
CM Fadnavis pointed out that the demand for industrial land has surged significantly, driven by fresh investment proposals from both domestic and international investors. He emphasized the need to expedite new land acquisitions to meet this rising demand, while reiterating the importance of minimizing disruptions to landholders.
Focus on Key Industrial Corridors and Regions
The chief minister noted that while the Mumbai–Pune–Nagpur corridor continues to experience strong demand for industrial land, other regions such as Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Solapur are also witnessing increased interest from investors. He directed district collectors in these areas to prioritize land acquisition and ensure timely completion of all related administrative procedures.
Fadnavis also reviewed land acquisition for major infrastructure projects being implemented by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). These projects include:
- Shaktipeeth Expressway
- Virar–Alibaug Multimodal Corridor
- Nagpur–Gondia Expressway
- Bhandara–Gadchiroli Expressway
- Nagpur–Chandrapur Expressway
- Navegaon–Surjagad Mineral Corridor
- Jalna–Nanded Expressway
Strategic Planning and Land Parcel Management
CM Fadnavis set a clear timeline for infrastructure development, stating that planning should ensure all ongoing infrastructure projects are completed within the next three years. He stressed the importance of acquiring large, contiguous parcels of land while avoiding forest areas to prevent fragmentation-related delays in land allotment to industries.
In another strategic move, the chief minister directed officials to submit proposals for the free transfer of unused government land from various departments for industrial use. This initiative aims to make land available at lower costs, thereby boosting industrial investment and supporting employment generation across Maharashtra.
Environmental Considerations and Administrative Updates
Industries Minister Uday Samant provided reassurance during the meeting, stating that no forest land had been acquired during the land acquisition process in the Konkan region. He also mentioned that deficiencies in the proposal for the additional Gondpipri industrial area in Chandrapur district had been addressed, with the revised proposal now submitted for approval.
Senior officials from MIDC and MSRDC made comprehensive presentations on the current status of land acquisition across Maharashtra. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, senior officials from the revenue, public works, and industries departments, as well as district collectors from concerned districts who joined via video conference.
This comprehensive review and directive from CM Fadnavis underscore the Maharashtra government's proactive approach to industrial development, balancing economic growth with environmental considerations and landowner welfare.
