MUMBAI: An investigation into the alleged housing fraud in Navi Mumbai will be led by a committee which includes a representative of the Additional Chief Secretary from the Urban Development Department, as announced by Minister Uday Samant in the legislative council on Wednesday.
The inquiry aims to scrutinize allegations of regulatory non-compliance in the construction of affordable housing, he mentioned.
The Industries Minister is authorized to address questions and motions during the state legislature’s Budget session on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde.
Samant stated that actions will be taken against CIDCO officials who approved a housing scheme in Nerul, asserting that permission for such housing developments is under the authority of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC).
Samant’s remarks came in response to a query from NCP (SP) MLC Shashikant Shinde, who highlighted a conflict between CIDCO and NMMC regarding building approvals in Nerul.
Shinde raised concerns over alleged irregularities in granting permissions for a housing project, claiming that some builders evaded the required 20% reservation for affordable housing in residential projects.
According to Shinde, the reserved area was instead used for constructing flats intended for commercial sale at elevated prices. He also accused developers across Navi Mumbai of not fulfilling the obligation to construct over 2,000 homes intended for affordable housing.
