BJP MLA Manda Mhatre Accuses Colleague Ganesh Naik of Blocking Belapur Hospital Project
In a significant political development in Navi Mumbai, Belapur BJP MLA Manda Mhatre has launched a scathing public criticism against her own party colleague, Forest Minister and Airoli MLA Ganesh Naik. Mhatre alleges that Naik has been actively undermining the ambitious proposal for a state-of-the-art super-specialty hospital and medical college on a substantial 31,000-square meter plot located in Sector 15A, Belapur.
CRZ Constraints and Local Opposition Complicate Project
The proposed healthcare facility, championed by MLA Manda Mhatre, was intended to be developed by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). The municipal body had acquired the land from CIDCO for a substantial sum of Rs 60 crore several years ago, with the overall project estimated to require an investment of approximately Rs 800 crore. However, the initiative has encountered multiple obstacles from its inception.
A critical complication arises from the fact that a portion of the designated site falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), triggering environmental concerns and legal challenges. Furthermore, the land has served as a cherished cricket ground for local residents for many years, creating strong community attachment to the space. Despite tenders being issued for the hospital project, a public interest litigation (PIL) remains pending in the high court, primarily addressing the CRZ-related regulatory issues.
Allegations of Constituency-Based Politics
MLA Manda Mhatre has made serious allegations against Minister Ganesh Naik, claiming that his opposition to the Belapur hospital project stems from territorial politics rather than substantive concerns. According to Mhatre, Naik has opposed the initiative since its beginning because it is located within her Belapur constituency rather than his own Airoli constituency. This accusation gained traction after the NMMC general body voted by a majority to preserve the Sector 15A ground for the more than forty cricket players who have utilized it for decades.
The civic house subsequently recommended relocating the hospital project to an alternative site. Mhatre interpreted this development as evidence of Naik indulging in what she described as "petty politics" at the expense of crucial healthcare infrastructure for Navi Mumbai residents.
Growing Public and Political Resistance
The controversy escalated when cricket enthusiasts staged a protest in front of the NMMC headquarters earlier this week, coinciding with the house proceedings. Their demonstration highlighted the strong local sentiment against losing a valued community playground. In response to the mounting pressure, Mayor Sujata Patil proposed that the hospital proposal be thoroughly examined by the municipal health committee before returning to the general body for final clearance.
Independent corporator Bharat Bhoir introduced a formal motion seeking either relocation or outright cancellation of the Belapur hospital plan. Bhoir suggested Nevle in the newly added fourteen-village area as a more centrally located and potentially suitable alternative. Several other corporators expressed support for the concept of a super-specialty hospital in principle but voiced firm opposition to constructing it on an established and well-used playground.
Broader Civic Concerns and Alternative Proposals
The debate within the NMMC house revealed wider concerns about healthcare infrastructure and civic planning in Navi Mumbai. Multiple locations, including Kille Gaothan, were suggested as potential alternative sites for the hospital project. Numerous corporators urged the municipal administration to prioritize fully operationalizing existing municipal hospitals in Vashi, Nerul, Belapur, and Airoli before launching an expensive new project requiring Rs 800 crore.
BJP corporator Nishant Bhagat criticized CIDCO for selling land that local villagers had developed into playgrounds, alleging that the 2017 draft development plan failed to adequately reserve space for essential civic amenities. MNS corporator Abhijit Desai argued that expanding and improving current hospital facilities would be a more prudent use of resources than spending crores on new infrastructure.
Infrastructure and Staffing Deficiencies Highlighted
BJP members Ganesh Sakpal and Saluja Sutar pointed to significant gaps in existing healthcare infrastructure and staffing. They emphasized the urgent need for more doctors, nurses, and support staff across municipal health facilities. Other corporators raised additional civic issues during the discussion, including the absence of a playground in Seawoods, the necessity for night OPD services to improve accessibility, and concerning delays in approving and inaugurating health centres in Airoli and Koparkhairane.
Formal Request for MLA Assistance and Future Steps
The NMMC house reached a decision to formally request MLA Manda Mhatre to assist in enabling the project's relocation to a more suitable site. Deputy Mayor Dashrath Bhagat stressed that any final decision should follow a detailed and comprehensive assessment of costs, budget allocation, staffing requirements, and long-term operational needs.
Shiv Sena opposition leader Vijay Chougule questioned why BJP leaders were reconsidering the hospital's location after the project had already been finalized. Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Vishal Sasane reiterated the pressing issue of Seawoods' lack of a playground and recommended initiating night OPD services at civic health centres to better serve the community.
In a show of support, BJP member Suraj Patil backed MLA Mhatre, citing her earlier written communication to CIDCO requesting that the Belapur ground be preserved exclusively for sports activities. Patil confirmed that the house would send Mhatre a formal request to actively assist in shifting the hospital project to an alternative location, marking the next phase in this ongoing civic and political dispute.
