The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has initiated proceedings to cancel 26 tentative layouts in the first phase of action related to the MHADA housing scam. This follows the police booking of 197 individuals and the launch of a probe by a state-appointed special investigation team.
Reason for Cancellation
Officials from the town planning department stated that the move was prompted after the land records survey department reported that the tentative layout maps were not found in the official base maps maintained by the department. An NMC official confirmed, "We have started the process, and all 26 tentative layouts will be cancelled within the next two to three days. A consolidated order will be issued thereafter."
Previous Hearings and Violations
The civic body recently completed hearings of 169 landowners and developers accused of violating mandatory Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing norms. The hearings, conducted by the town planning department, were part of an inquiry into alleged breaches of the rule requiring 20% EWS housing in projects exceeding 4,000 square metres.
Police Cases and Policy Violations
Last month, the Sarkarwada police registered cheating cases against over 150 landowners and developers for allegedly bypassing EWS housing requirements. The FIR was based on a complaint by an official of the land records department after an inquiry by the additional district collector found violations of the state housing policies of 2013 and 2017. These policies mandate the allotment of reserved housing units to eligible beneficiaries through MHADA.
