politics | The Cabinet is the Custodian, Not the Owner, of State Property – Vijay Kumbhar; A Multi-Crore Plot Given to Rahane Because Gavaskar Couldn’t Utilize It?

Mumbai | January 30

(politics) A 2,000 sq. m. plot worth crores of rupees at Bandra Reclamation was allotted by MHADA in 1988 to former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar for an ‘Indoor Cricket Training Center.’ However, due to non-utilization of the land and failure to implement the lease agreement, the government, upon the request of Gavaskar’s foundation, canceled the allotment on June 23, 2022, with effect from April 5, 2022, according to RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar.

(politics) He further stated that after this cancellation, the land was allotted to cricketer Ajinkya Rahane without inviting any tenders. Additionally, relaxations were granted in construction regulations. “The Cabinet is the custodian of state property, not its owner. Moreover, the reasons given for this allotment are flimsy,” Kumbhar remarked.

Current Situation:
The plot is currently in poor condition and is being used illegally by slum dwellers. Local representatives and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane requested the land to establish a modern cricket training center. Based on MHADA’s letter dated August 21, 2024, and the authority’s resolution dated September 14, 2023, the government decided to lease the land to Ajinkya Rahane for 30 years.

Initially, only 15% construction was permitted on this plot. However, a sudden change was made, allowing construction as per the Brihanmumbai Development Promotion Regulations 2034. Notably, the year 2034 is mentioned in the government order. “This entire process is objectionable and illegal,” Kumbhar asserted.

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