Navi Mumbai: A major controversy has emerged over the ongoing Godrej Varanya residential project at Plot Nos. 17, 18 and 19, Sector 5A, Kharghar, after a series of complaints and applications under the Right to Information Act, 2005 sought an independent investigation into the land allotment, environmental approvals, planning permissions and statutory compliances associated with the project.
According to records submitted by journalist and RTI applicant Brahmanand R. Tiwari, multiple representations have been addressed to CIDCO, the Forest Department, the Town Planning Department, the District Collector, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and other authorities seeking certified documents and official verification of the project.
The representations raise concerns regarding the original classification of the land, the transparency of the allotment process, environmental approvals, tree-cutting permissions, lease conditions and construction approvals. They also request that authorities examine whether every statutory requirement applicable to the project has been complied with.
Questions Raised, Not Conclusions
The complaints ask the authorities to verify several issues, including:
– Whether the land was ever recorded as forest land, deemed forest, protected forest, mangrove area, green zone or any environmentally sensitive category.
– Whether all permissions required under environmental, planning and other applicable laws were obtained before construction commenced.
– Whether tree cutting or transplantation, if any, was carried out strictly with lawful permissions.
– Whether excavation, hill modification or alteration of natural terrain remained within approved limits.
– Whether the project fully complies with CIDCO lease conditions and sanctioned development permissions.
– Whether the e-tender and e-auction process was conducted with complete transparency.
The complaints further request certified copies of land records, lease deeds, planning approvals, commencement certificates, environmental clearances, inspection reports and compliance records.
Demand for Independent Multi-Department Investigation
The representations call for the constitution of a joint inspection committee comprising officials from:
– CIDCO
– Forest Department
– Revenue Department
– Town Planning Department
– Land Records Department
– Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
– Geological and environmental experts
The requested inspection would examine original survey records, satellite imagery, revenue maps, approved layouts and physical site conditions to determine whether the development conforms to all statutory requirements.
Objection to Occupancy Certificate
A separate representation has requested that no Occupancy Certificate (OC), Part Occupancy Certificate or Completion Certificate be granted until all statutory approvals, environmental compliances, planning permissions and lease conditions are independently verified by the competent authorities.
The representation states that final occupancy approval should only be considered after completion of official verification and disposal of pending complaints.
RTI Proceedings Also Initiated
A detailed RTI application seeking extensive certified records has reportedly been filed before CIDCO. A First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act has also been submitted alleging that the requested information was not furnished within the statutory period prescribed under the Act.
The appeal seeks disclosure of land records, planning approvals, environmental permissions, tender documents, lease files and inspection reports maintained by CIDCO.
Authorities Yet to Reach Final Findings
At present, EX7 News has not independently verified the allegations, and no competent authority has publicly concluded that any illegality has occurred. The matters referred to above are the subject of complaints requesting official verification. Any determination regarding the legality of the project, the status of the land or compliance with statutory requirements can only be made by the competent authorities after examining the relevant records and conducting due process.
EX7 News has sought responses from CIDCO, the developer and the concerned government departments. Their responses, if received, will be published in the interest of fairness and transparency.
(The investigation is continuing.)
