Maharashtra CM gives nod to development plan for Kalyan-Bhiwandi villages

THANE: Keeping up his promise to clear files on long pending development plan for villages in Kalyan and Bhiwandi by end of this year, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis proved that he means business and gave green signal to the draft plan in this connection after a meeting here.

Fadnavis, during the Kalyan International Film Festival had assured the citizens that he would clear the file within next 15 days.

He yesterday held a meeting with top officials of the various departments before approving the draft development plan for 27 villages (in Kalyan and Ambernath Tehsils) which moved out of the Kalyan-Dombivili Municipal Corporation besides 60 villages in Bhiwandi, according to an official release here.

Addressing officials, Fadnavis said that as these areas were near to Mumbai they were witnessing rapid development and it was essential that they be provided with a plan taking into consideration communication and commuting facilities, storm water disposal, roads and development while keeping in mind the growth including population influx in next 20 years.

He also asked officials to examine the possibility of forming a Civic Council for the 27 villages, which had boycotted all elections from 1995 to 2002, after which their demand to move out of KDMC was accepted.

Consequent upon rapid growth in the region, the CM also asked officials to explore the possibility of implementing affordable housing scheme for the region.

As regards Bhiwandi, he directed officials to explore the possibility of setting up a logistics hub in Bhiwandi region for 60 villages which would bring in more revenue to the state government.

Among those present for meeting include UD Principal Secretary Manukumar Srivastava, MMRDA Commissioner UPS Madan, and several other officials of concerned departments.