As the time for commencement of flights from the Navi Mumbai International Airport draws near, development in the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) region has become the centre of attention of investors and various stakeholders. The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has been proactive, raising awareness on the matter to ensure the successful development of this region with participation of the land owners.

Recent news reports have, however, reported the issue of illegal construction in the NAINA region, particularly highlighting the probability of demolition for 5,000 such structures. As a result, some apprehensions have arisen among landowners and stakeholders regarding the perceived threat to the unauthorized constructions.

"To address these challenges and ensure a streamlined development process, CIDCO has mobilized its departments, including Town Planning, Transportation Planning, Building Permissions, Engineering, Lands and Survey, and CCUC, to focus on the NAINA project under the innovative Town Planning Scheme (TPS)," a senior CIDCO official said.

"This land pooling model offers 40% of their developed original land holding as final plots, to the landowners with efforts to retain the existing structures as far as possible. This is a friendly initiative undertaken with sensitivity to avoid displacement of the people," he said.

NAINA the mammoth project, has a unique land development model of town planning scheme (TPS) which is sensitive in catering the needs of villagers and locals where majority final plots are anchored at its location and there is no displacement.

The NAINA region spans 94 villages, 92 in Panvel Taluka and 2 in Uran Taluka, under a meticulously designed development plan. Since January 10, 2013, the state government has mandated that any construction in this notified area requires prior approval from CIDCO’s NAINA Building Permission Department. This measure ensures adherence to the plan and partakes implementation through TPS in a phased manner.

Progress on the TPS initiatives underlines CIDCO’s commitment to structured growth with people’s participation. TPS 1 and 2 have secured final government approval, TPS 3 through 7 have received preliminary approval, and draft plans for TPS 8 through 12 are undergoing arbitration. These phased approvals underscore CIDCO’s methodical approach to integrating development with existing land use.

Property cards for Town Planning Scheme 1 and 2 are ready for distribution, and the transfer of final plots can also take place simultaneously. The successful implementation of the project can however only be propelled with the cooperation of the landowners.

Despite these strides, some constructions fall within planned reservation areas, raising concerns among residents. CIDCO has issued letters to 16 construction holders in the proposed road area of TPS 2, requesting documents to verify permissions. This step reflects CIDCO’s commitment to streamline the development in the region within the prevailing legal framework in a transparent manner.

Integrated infrastructure development in NAINA is set to begin soon, contingent upon landowners’ cooperation in granting access to designated areas. CIDCO’s appeal to stakeholders emphasizes the long-term benefits of systematic and planned development, positioning the project as a golden opportunity for landowners and investors alike.

Through its proactive policies and engagement with local communities, CIDCO envisions a transformative future for the NAINA region. By fostering collaboration and adhering to its meticulous development strategy, CIDCO aims to ensure that the NAINA project becomes a model for sustainable and inclusive urban growth.