THANE, 13 SEPTEMBER, 2024(GPN): In the ongoing latent conflict between residents of Thane’s Raymond Ten X Habitat and the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) matters has now intensified, with the residents escalating their opposition to a new proposed land-use change and demanding a stop work order on crucial infrastructure. The dispute, now drawing the attention of the Chief Minister’s office, underscores the challenges of balancing development with community needs and environmental concerns in a rapidly growing city like Thane.

In the heart of bustling Thane, Ten X Habitat is a thriving gated community that rises between Pokhran Road 1 and 2. Despite being the first project of Raymond Realty, the brand was able to set a new benchmark in the real estate sector in India by handing over the first three towers of Ten X Habitat two years ahead of the RERA timeline.

At the heart of the issue is the TMC’s plan to convert a reserved green space into a new administrative building. Residents argue that this move will deprive them of essential open spaces, negatively impact the environment, and was decided without adequate public consultation and save the environment initiative (SEI). They’ve raised legal objections, highlighting the potential violation of laws protecting open spaces and the disregard for the community’s well-being.

Adding to the residents’ concerns is the TMC’s recent stop work order on the construction of a water tank meant to serve the Raymond Ten X Habitat complex and other new construction in the area of Pokhran Road No. 2, Gandhi Nagar, and the other towers in the vicinity. The Raymond Realty’s various project in the vicinity itself dreams of housing 25000 families in its township infrastructure. This decision, residents argue, is arbitrary and threatens their fundamental right to water. With over 1500 residents already feeling the strain on existing water supply, the halt in construction has raised fears of impending water scarcity.

The residents, have formally objected to both the land-use change and the stop work order. They’ve also appealed directly to the Chief Minister, who is a local resident, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the potential impact on the community’s quality of life.
The escalating conflict has put the spotlight on the TMC’s decision-making processes and its commitment to sustainable and inclusive development. Residents are demanding greater transparency, meaningful public consultation, and a reconsideration of the plans that threaten their access to open spaces and essential resources.

As the dispute unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges faced by growing cities like Thane. Balancing the need for development with the preservation of green spaces and ensuring adequate infrastructure for residents is a delicate act. The outcome of this conflict could set a precedent for future land-use planning and development decisions in the city, making it a closely watched battle for both residents and urban planners alike.

Last month, Raymond Realty topped the Index Tap Premier League Chart for Thane region. The group’s premiere real estate projects – The Address by GS and TenX Habitat – have bagged the first and the second position in Thane city region with 78 and 124 units sold worth 201 crores and Rs. 147 crores, respectively.This achievement stands in line with Raymond Realty showcasing a strong sales growth by three-fold to Rs. 245 crores from Rs.81 crores compared with the previous year in the second quarter. But the challenge now remains how this project will handle the water shortage crisis in future.

The water crisis appears to be widespread across Thane. Residents from Naupada and Vijay Park in Kasarvadavli on Ghodbunder Road reported daily water shortages despite good rainfall.Citizens living near D-Mart on Ghodbunder Road questioned the inadequate water supply, expressing concerns about increased reliance on water tankers. In Wagle Estate’s Shanti Nagar, residents reported drinking water issues over the past few days in August month.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is spearheading strategic water planning efforts with the guidance of seasoned experts in the water supply sector. Renowned for its Morbe Dam Project, a cornerstone in Navi Mumbai’s water-rich legacy, the municipal corporation, led by Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, is now focused on forward-thinking initiatives.

Commissioner Narvekar provided crucial information, underscoring the intrinsic link between NMMC’s development, population surge, and the inclusion of 14 villages in the future urban landscape. Considerations were also extended to the evolving landscape of Thane district and its impact on the water requirements for the burgeoning population.

A pivotal discussion centred around the prospect of CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation), the entity responsible for planned urban development, formulating a collective proposal for Navi Mumbai, Panvel Municipal Corporation, and other CIDCO-developed regions. The meeting underscored the need for researching perpetual water sources to ensure a sustainable water supply.

In a concerted effort, CIDCO, Panvel Municipal Corporation, and NMMC explored the potential of jointly proposing to the government the diversion of water from the Kundalika River through the hydroelectric project at Bhira.

Addressing a meeting recently Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Gulabrao Patil had directed to speed up the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

In the review meeting organized by Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan in the Ministry, Principal Secretary of Water Supply and Sanitation Department Sanjay Khandare, Managing Director of State Water Supply and Sanitation Mission E. Ravindran, Maharashtra Life Authority Chief Engineer Prashant Bhamre along with concerned officials were present.

Minister Patil said, revised approval should be given for these schemes. Garbage collection vehicles should be provided as per demand under Swachh Bharat Mission. Work of waste segregation center, environment friendly waste treatment center should be speeded up. Gram Panchayats should be instructed that the funds received from the 15th Finance Commission should be spent on these components. May who is the PMC (Project Management Consultant) in the Jal Jeevan Mission project. Wapcos Company should complete the work from them.Complaint can be registered at https://mjp.maharashtra.gov.in/grievance/ for water crisis he added.