Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
A decision to divide the City and District into two zones was made during a meeting held on Wednesday in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. According to this decision, the North zone will focus on Tourism and Forest Conservation, while the South zone will focus on developing infrastructure to provide complementary support to Industries. Going forward, the planning of the city will be handled by two agencies—the Municipal Corporation for the city area and the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (CSMRDA) for the areas outside the municipal limits.
The area of 2,097 square metres falls within the jurisdiction of the CSMRDA. The southern part of this area is predominantly industrial zones, while the northern part consists of religious sites, hills, mountainous terrain, and forested regions. Considering the conservation of nature and the environment, tourism will be promoted in the northern part.
To the south, areas like DMIC, Bidkin, Waluj, Shendra, and the expanded land acquisition will see the development of extensive infrastructure. This will include solid waste management, water supply and sewage systems post-population growth, road development, and long-term planning for water supply. The vision document for this was approved, and it was decided to appoint a research agency to carry out the necessary studies.
Urban Development minister absent
Despite holding the urban development portfolio, the deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde was not present for the meeting. It was attended by chief minister, guardian minister Sanjay Shirsat, minister of state (MoS) for urban development Madhuri Misal, additional secretary Asim Kumar Gupta, Valsa Nair, Ashwini Bhide, and Cidco officials. The District Collector Deelip Swami and Commissioner of Police Pravin Pawar participated online from the city.
Two agencies for planning
“In the future, there will be two planning agencies. The Municipal Corporation (CSMC) will handle planning within the municipal corporation limits, while the CSMRDA will oversee areas outside the municipal limits. A separate decision regarding the fringe areas will be made by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). For areas developed through land acquisition by agencies like MIDC and Cidco, they will continue to retain control over those areas for the time being.
The government land is present in 313 villages, and it will be utilised for development. The revenue generated from the sale of this land will provide financial support to the Authority. Regarding approved positions, 30% of the 147 posts should be filled immediately, while the remaining staff will be recruited in phases. The Authority's office will be relocated to the railway station,” said the divisional commissioner Dilip Gawade.
Important decisions taken in the meeting
Approval for the implementation of the Gunthewari Act as it will help legalise over 10,000 constructions within the authority's jurisdiction.
Approval for the acquisition of 50 hectares of land with a fund of Rs 100 crores for three Growth Centres (in Waluj Mahanagar), along with permission to provide services and sell plots in the area.
Approval for appointing an agency to prepare the Vision Document for the authority. The Municipal Commissioner has been authorised to make the appointment of the competent agency.
Approval for appointing an agency for roads, water supply systems in 313 villages, solid waste management, and sewage management.
Transfer of 450 hectares of government land in 313 villages for various social initiatives under the Authority.
Filling of Class I and Class II posts within the Authority at the government level, with the remaining positions to be filled through outsourcing.
Planning of 313 villages
Gangapur: 67
Phulambri: 19
Khuldabad: 41
Paithan: 43
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: 143
Total: 313