Residents of Uran, Panvel, and Pen areas in Raigad district are up in arms against the state government’s proposal for a sprawling township dubbed ‘Third Mumbai’, vehemently opposing the acquisition of their land for the ambitious project.
The villagers, expressing their dissent, have warned of staging a massive agitation involving lakhs of people if the government proceeds without withdrawing the notification. The government’s initiative, announced on March 4, entailed issuing notifications to transfer control of 124 villages surrounding the Atal Setu Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) to the New Town Development Authority (NTDA), under the auspices of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). These villages, located in the Uran, Panvel, and Pen regions of Raigad district, are earmarked for development as part of the proposed mega township.
In response to the government’s call for objections within 30 days, villagers rallied to voice their concerns. A mass protest march originally planned to collectively voice their objections was curtailed due to the prevailing code of conduct. Nonetheless, they have issued a stern warning, indicating their readiness to mobilise lakhs of individuals in protest should the government persist with its plans. The proposed ‘Third Mumbai’ township has stirred apprehension among local residents regarding potential displacement, loss of livelihoods, and environmental repercussions associated with large-scale land acquisition. The resistance from affected communities underscores the deep-seated concerns over the lack of consultation and transparency in the decision-making process. The standoff between the state government and villagers underscores the delicate balance between developmental aspirations and socio-economic considerations. As tensions escalate, the government faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of the affected communities and ensure inclusive participation in the planning and implementation of developmental projects.
