A significant political and legal dispute has erupted in Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra, surrounding a massive housing initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The project, valued at a staggering Rs 723 crore and proposing the construction of 3,500 houses, is now mired in allegations of procedural lapses and improper land selection.
Allegations of Irregularities in Land Process
The controversy intensified after the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) recently floated tenders for construction in the Santosh Nagar (Ulhasnagar-4) and Prem Tekdi (Ulhasnagar-5) areas. Former Shiv Sena city president and senior ex-corporator, Bhullar Maharaj, has raised serious objections, filing a petition in court to halt the project.
Bhullar Maharaj's core allegation is that the land identified for the ambitious scheme has not undergone the mandatory legal processes. He claims that the plot has neither seen a change in its official reservation status nor has it been legally transferred to the UMC. Launching such a large-scale project on land with irregular documentation, he argues, could invite major legal complications in the future.
Violation of PMAY Guidelines and Private Claims
Adding weight to his petition, Bhullar pointed out a potential violation of PMAY guidelines. According to him, the scheme permits development only on land categorised as Residential, Commercial, or Industrial. However, the plots selected by the UMC are reportedly reserved for other purposes, including:
- Health facilities
- Educational institutions
- Recreational uses
Further complicating the matter, a substantial portion of the Prem Tekdi plot is said to be under the possession of a private individual. The Town Planning Department has already issued building permission for this land, raising questions about its availability for the PMAY project.
Political Crossfire: Credit vs. Criticism
The issue has sparked a political blame game. While a local Shiv Sena leader had earlier credited the party's Member of Parliament for bringing the project to the city, Bhullar Maharaj's legal challenge from within the same party has exposed internal divisions.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized the opportunity to criticise the opposition. BJP district president Rajesh Wadharya, addressing a press conference, accused Bhullar of obstructing a housing project meant for the economically weaker sections. He highlighted the irony of one section of Shiv Sena claiming credit for the project while a senior functionary from their own ranks attempts to block it through the courts.
The court's decision on the petition is now eagerly awaited, as it will determine the fate of a project that promises homes for thousands but is currently caught in a web of legal and political contention.
