Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The municipal corporation’s plan to construct a commercial complex at Chikalthana for traders affected by road widening has run into fresh trouble. A civic team visited the site on Thursday to take possession of 23 gunthas of land owned by the Revenue Department. However, upon measurement, only 14 gunthas were found to be available. Local residents pointed out that the remaining land belongs to the Waqf Board, leaving the civic body in a difficult position. The project now faces mounting challenges.
The decision to build the commercial complex was taken by municipal commissioner G Sreekanth to rehabilitate traders who lost their businesses due to road widening in Chikalthana. A contractor was also appointed on priority for the construction. Initially, the Revenue Department had delayed handing over the land in Gut No. 717. MLA Anuradha Chavan had taken up the issue with Revenue Minister Chandrakant Bawankule, who assured that approval would be granted once the file was submitted. However, the file was not forwarded by the department.
Last week, a meeting chaired by Mayor Sameer Rajurkar decided to pay the required land charges. The municipal corporation promptly paid Rs 6.5 crore. It was expected that 23 gunthas would then be handed over. Accordingly, a civic team led by deputy commissioners Aparna Thete and Savita Sonawane reached Chikalthana on Thursday to take possession.
However, some local residents strongly opposed the move, stating that 14 gunthas of the land belong to the Waqf Board and should be excluded. They suggested that the remaining land be taken instead. With only 14 gunthas available, constructing the proposed complex is not feasible, casting serious doubt over the project’s future.