CIDCO Faces Protest Over Alleged Illegal Parking Facility in Navi Mumbai
A Navi Mumbai-based citizens’ rights group, Sajag Nagarik Manch, has launched a protest against the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) for allegedly using a plot of land in Belapur for parking its official vehicles without the necessary permissions. The group has demanded that CIDCO relinquish its claim over the plot, warning of a direct protest if their demands are not met within seven days.
The disputed land is located next to CIDCO’s headquarters in Belapur and lies beneath a High Tension Line (HTL). According to documents obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request, the land in question was never acquired by CIDCO, and there is no approval from local authorities or the traffic department for its use as a parking facility. Sudhir Dani, the founder of the Sajag Nagarik Manch, explained, “We have been in correspondence with CIDCO for the past nine months, seeking documents or permissions that validate the use of this land for parking. However, CIDCO has failed to provide any proof of authorization.”
The forum also claims that the parking setup violates regulations set by the Electricity Regulatory Commission due to its location beneath the HTL. In a formal letter addressed to CIDCO’s Managing Director, the forum has demanded that CIDCO cease using the land, remove all makeshift structures, including sheds and CCTV cameras, and withdraw security personnel from the premises. Dani further emphasised, “Everything on the plot is illegal and unauthorised. CIDCO has no right to lock the premises and restrict access to other vehicles when they do not own the land. If no action is taken within the next seven days, we will take matters into our own hands and place a lock on the gate to prevent entry.” The forum has also warned that CIDCO would be held responsible for any potential legal or law-and-order issues arising from their protest. CIDCO officials, however, declined to comment on the matter when approached for a response.
