The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has opted against issuing a stop work notice to Godrej Properties for its ongoing residential project in Kandivali, despite objections from the Central Ordnance Depot (COD) of the defence ministry. The COD had raised concerns about the proximity of the ‘Godrej Reserve’ project to its Kandivali complex.
The development, spanning 18.6 acres with a projected revenue potential of Rs 7,000 crore, has already seen significant progress, with 1.91 million sq ft launched and bookings worth Rs 2,693 crore as per the company’s FY24 regulatory filing.
In response to COD’s objections, MCGM’s building proposal department justified its decision, citing adherence to Maharashtra’s Regional Town Planning Act, 1966, and Development Plan, 2034. The department emphasized that the project conforms to safety and security guidelines set during the formulation of the development plan, with existing urban settlements nearby further supporting its stance.
COD’s contention stemmed from union government guidelines prohibiting construction within 100 metres of defence establishments, with restrictions easing up to 500 metres under specific conditions. However, MCGM highlighted that permissions for the project were granted during a regulatory transition period, complicating the enforcement of these guidelines.
Godrej Properties, which acquired the plot in December 2022, plans to develop 3.72 million sq ft of premium residential and retail space. The project’s strategic location offers convenient access to the Western Express Highway, metro, and suburban railway stations, bolstering its appeal to potential buyers.
The decision not to halt construction underscores MCGM’s commitment to balancing urban development with regulatory compliance, particularly amidst evolving legal interpretations and government directives affecting urban planning and infrastructure projects.
