To ensure planned, sustainable growth around the late D. B. Patil International Airport in Panvel Taluka, the Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area (NAINA) project was announced in 2013, with CIDCO appointed as the Special Planning Authority, and in 2016, the then Chief Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, personally cleared the first Development Plan. Yet over the past 12 years, implementation has been sloppy, directionless, and—above all—anti-farmer, as inconsistent policies, weak public outreach, and chaotic decision-making have left large portions of the project unfinished. Against this backdrop, MLA Vikrant Patil launched a fierce offensive in the State Assembly, demanding justice for affected farmers.
“CIDCO Is Like Kumbhakarna—But Worse”
Speaking in the Assembly, Patil likened CIDCO to the mythic giant who slept for half a year:
“Kumbhakarna slept six months but at least woke up for a day’s work. CIDCO has kept up the pretence of sleep for 12 years!”
Although CIDCO has handled the project since 2013, progress is dismal. The plan originally covered 270 villages; mismanagement has reduced that number to just 94.
Key Flaws Highlighted by MLA Patil
- Reversal of land-sharing ratio – The first blueprint left 60 % of land with farmersand 40 % with CIDCO. Later this was flipped to 40 % for farmers and 60 % forCIDCO, sowing confusion and anger.
- Faulty drone-based surveys – Rather than ground checks, CIDCO relied on drones,mis-plotting many plots and even overlapping one farmer’s land onto another’s.
- Misapplied reservations – Open Space, social amenities and EWS reservations were slapped onto existing homes and businesses, putting lawful structures at risk.
- No policy outside gaothan limits – Without a “Congested Area” provision, constructions beyond village cores remain illegal and occupants helpless.
- Frozen land transactions – Registrations for sale and purchase are halted, cripplingfarmers’ finances.
Exposing Corruption and Irregularities
Patil accused CIDCO of deep-rooted corruption:
- ₹7,900 crore in tenders floated despite murky land titles.
- ₹300 crore advanced to contractors without clear ownership records.
“Are these contractors CIDCO’s sons-in-law?” he asked sarcastically.
He also slammed the token 0.3 additional FSI on offer—far too little to benefit locals.
Unwavering Support for Farmers
With land locked up and commerce frozen, farmers are sliding into hardship. MLA Vikrant Patil demanded stern action against negligent officers and called for the appointment of a dedicated, full-time officer to steer the NAINA project to completion.
A Positive Response from the Government
Minister of State Madhuri Misal assured the House that:
- Farmers will suffer no losses.
- All existing buildings will receive legal protection.
- Land reservations will be decided only in consultation with villagers and representatives.
- Concrete policies for redevelopment and rehabilitation will be framed.
Emergency Meeting Points the Way Forward
During the session, MLA Vikrant Patil secured an urgent meeting in Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s office, where discussions focused on reopening registrations, legalising constructions, and crafting a coherent roadmap.
Attendees included Konkan MHADA Chair Balasaheb Patil, CIDCO Additional MD Shantanu Goel, Inspector-General of Registration Ravindra Binawade, and senior officials. The talks reignited hope for a resolution to citizens’ long-pending grievances.
“The Struggle Will Continue Until Farmers Get Justice”
Patil’s campaign—stretching from the Assembly floor to ministerial corridors—centres on one principle: justice for farmers.
“This fight will not end until every farmer gets justice!” he pledged—words that have become a pillar of faith for thousands across Panvel.