Maharashtra’s Urban Development Ministry is casting a shadow over Nagpur’s major infrastructure projects, potentially influencing the upcoming civic elections.
The probe examines whether key agencies, including the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), and Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA), falsely claimed land ownership to secure project sanctions. Sources within the ministry reveal that several land parcels designated for development were either encroached upon, under dispute, or never legally acquired, violating a 2018 Government Resolution that prohibits work on unowned land. Despite the high stakes, the investigation remains under wraps, with no formal communication to the civic bodies involved.
The timing of the probe is particularly sensitive, coinciding with the Supreme Court’s decision to pave the way for long-pending civic elections, scheduled to take place within four months. The potential fallout from this investigation could disrupt the political landscape, especially if findings are leaked or action is taken before the elections. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also heads the Urban Development Ministry, is overseeing the investigation. This dual role has raised eyebrows within political circles, as Shinde’s leadership in both the Shiv Sena faction and the ministry places him at the centre of the scrutiny.
While no formal notices have been served yet, civic bodies are reportedly in damage-control mode. If the audit confirms irregularities, not only could the implicated projects be jeopardised, but political careers may also be at risk. As the clock ticks toward elections, this silent scrutiny threatens to erupt into a full-blown crisis, where paperwork, power, and political ambitions collide. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for Nagpur’s urban development and the political fortunes of those involved.
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