Maharashtra Unveils Revised Land Package for New Nagpur Project
In a significant development for urban expansion in Maharashtra, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced on Friday what he termed a "historic" package for the New Nagpur project. The revised policy marks a departure from previous approaches by providing affected landowners with commercial plots in addition to monetary compensation for acquired land.
Enhanced Compensation Framework for Affected Landowners
Speaking to media representatives in Nagpur, Bawankule detailed the new framework that now includes developed commercial plots for farmers whose land falls within commercial zones of the acquisition area. This shift from the earlier policy of offering only financial compensation aims to create long-term asset ownership and income opportunities for affected families. The minister expressed confidence that this decision would strengthen local support for the ambitious New Nagpur project and accelerate the city's planned expansion.
Simultaneous Revenue Campaign and Farm Distress Measures
Alongside the land package announcement, Bawankule revealed that the state government has launched the 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Revenue Campaign' across Maharashtra for a three-month period. This initiative, following directions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to deliver 15 key revenue services directly to citizens in a time-bound and transparent manner.
Regarding agricultural distress, the minister confirmed that the government has begun compiling eligibility lists for a potential farm loan waiver. "We are seeking lists of eligible beneficiaries to ensure that needy farmers receive justice," Bawankule stated. He emphasized that exploitation under cooperative laws would not be tolerated and indicated that targeted relief measures were under active consideration.
Crackdown on Irregularities and Unauthorized Developments
The minister addressed several governance issues during his media interaction:
- Regarding alleged irregularities of approximately ₹1,200 crore at the Nagpur District Central Cooperative Bank, Bawankule signaled a detailed investigation and promised strict action against those found responsible.
- On unauthorized layouts under the Nagpur Regional Plan, the government has established October 15, 2024, as a critical cutoff date. Plots purchased before this date may be considered for regularization under fragmentation laws, while developments after this date will receive no amnesty. "Criminal cases will be registered directly against violators," the minister declared, describing this as a decisive crackdown.
- In Gadchiroli district, a new tender process has been initiated to more effectively curb smuggling activities in the region.
New Nagpur Project Details and Implementation
The ₹11,300 crore 'New Nagpur Business District' project spans 692 hectares in Mouza Godhni and Mouza Ladgaon within Hingna taluka. The Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) is implementing the project with NBCC (India) Limited serving as consultant. The government has already allocated ₹3,000 crore for land acquisition and ₹3,500 crore for Phase 1 development activities.
Key Policy Changes and Their Implications
- Land Acquisition Policy Evolution: The transition from monetary-only compensation to a package including commercial plots represents a fundamental shift toward creating sustainable livelihoods for affected landowners.
- Farm Loan Waiver Approach: The government is pursuing a targeted, needs-based approach rather than a blanket waiver, with careful scrutiny of beneficiary eligibility.
- Governance Reforms: The revenue campaign and crackdown on unauthorized layouts demonstrate a dual focus on service delivery improvement and regulatory enforcement.
These announcements come at a crucial juncture as Maharashtra balances urban development objectives with agricultural sector concerns and governance reforms across multiple sectors.
