The Panvel Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) revised draft Development Plan (DP), published last month, has drawn significant responses from Panvel villagers. Over 1,300 submissions have been received, largely objecting to the reservation of areas where homes are already established, particularly those designated as 'no development zones.'
Agricultural Development and Rising Concerns
Upon the DP's release on August 8, the response was lukewarm, with only three submissions in the first ten days. However, many villagers initially supported the plan, viewing it as an opportunity to turn large tracts of agricultural land in 19 villages into residential areas. In Nagzari and Chal, the reservation of land for godowns was seen as a potential financial boon for local farmers. As the plan was further examined, concerns began to mount, particularly among villagers in Ghot, Taloja, and Karavle. These areas face the risk of losing agricultural land due to green zone and road development proposals. Villagers argue that these reservations will severely impact their livelihoods. In addition, the proposed solid waste management project in the Ghot Chal area has drawn objections, as have concerns over the buffer zones between industries in Taloja.
Protests and Demands for Extension
On Wednesday, residents from 17 bastis, koliwadas, and 22 adivasi padas organized a protest, demanding an extension of the submission period for suggestions and objections. A delegation of protestors met with PMC officials to discuss their concerns. Hiraman Pagar, a member of the Ghar Haq Sangharsh Samiti, pointed to issues like discrepancies in population data and the lack of public awareness, citing the fact that the DP documents were only available in English. He also expressed concern about homes being placed under various reservation categories such as 'commercial' and 'public utilities,' which he argued reflected a lack of inclusive planning.
Farmers Label the Plan
Local farmer Pradeep Patil called the plan “unjust,” arguing that the reservation of agricultural lands would devastate the local farming community, leaving many without viable options for the future. Despite the objections, Jyoti Kavade, assistant director of town planning at PMC, confirmed that there would be no extension of the deadline for suggestions and objections. A hearing will be conducted by a committee led by municipal commissioner Mangesh Chitale to review the submissions. The final draft will then be sent to the state government for approval.