The Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), which moved to Navi Mumbai nearly 40 years ago, may soon be relocated again. The state government has given orders to find a new site for the market outside Navi Mumbai. CIDCO and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation have received directions to act on this.
The government has asked APMC to search for a 100-acre plot for the new market. In this regard, a meeting was held between the secretary of APMC and the commissioner of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation.
The Municipal Corporation has offered land in 14 villages within Navi Mumbai limits. The administration has asked traders and stakeholders to visit these locations and check their suitability.
However, traders and Mathadi workers have reportedly opposed the move. They say they will strongly resist if the market is shifted outside Navi Mumbai. Many fear the relocation will affect their work and homes.
There are also discussions about moving the market near Ulva or Palghar. But shifting outside Navi Mumbai may lead to protests. The workers want proper housing and trading facilities if the market is moved.
The current APMC site lies in the northern part of Navi Mumbai city. There are plans to develop the area jointly with others. For this, reconstruction bids have been invited.
In the 1980s and 1990s, APMC had shifted its five markets from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai. At that time, the government provided over one lakh low-cost homes to Mathadi workers and traders.