Talks between the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra and Project Affected People (PAP) have hit a roadblock despite efforts by a former MP to act as a middleman.
While CIDCO wants to continue its blasting work on the project site of the Navi Mumbai airport, PAP is refusing to budge till plots meant for their rehabilitation are completely built.
Ramsheth Thakur, former MP of the Congress, said: “I tried to bridge the communication gap between the residents of 10 villages, who will be relocated owing to the Navi Mumbai International Airport project, and the CIDCO officials.
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“The villagers are divided in opinion. Some want CIDCO to carry on the blasting work and developing the plots meant for relocation, while others want the plots to be developed first.”
Meanwhile, a few villagers accused Mr. Thakur of having vested interests in resuming work at the site. Natha Patil, president of committee representing the villagers, said: “Mr. Thakur has contract work at the project site and we do not believe his moves. We have requested MLA Srirang Barne of Maval constituency to visit the plot site and assess the situation for himself and speak to the CIDCO officials.”
Mr. Thakur said CIDCO has said that they will develop the plots in three months. He said, “The Managing Director of CIDCO is ready to hand over a signed letter mentioning that the plots will be developed with necessary road infrastructure, electricity and drainage facilities. But the only condition is that the stopped blasting work should be allowed to resume.
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“The villagers, however, are insistent that the plots should be developed first and handed over to them. Only then will they allow CIDCO to carry on their work. The developed plots were planned to be handed over by June this year, but due to the monsoon, the work was delayed.”
Cracks in houses
On Thursday, thousands of villagers stalled work at the construction site and demanded that the CIDCO officials fulfil their promises. Meanwhile, many villagers have also complained about cracks caused by the blasting work. Sachin Keni, a resident of Chinchpada village, said: “Every time blasting work happens, there are tremors in our house causing cracks on the wall. Its terrifying and we have written to CIDCO officials about it.”