Ganesh Naik Questions Civic Body Over ₹2,700 Crore TDR Near SGNP in Thane
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik launched a sharp attack on the municipal administration over the decision to grant Transferable Development Rights (TDR) in a land matter near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) area during a public grievance hearing held at Gadkari Rangayatan in Thane on Wednesday.
Addressing a large gathering of residents at the 'Janta Darbar', Naik strongly questioned the municipal civic body's move. He asked why TDR should be granted for land that the Municipal Corporation cannot even utilize, and why ordinary citizens should have to bear the financial consequences of such a decision. Naik specifically questioned why Thanekars should carry the burden of a ₹2,700 crore TDR on their heads.
Referring to reports that mention TDR values reaching up to ₹4,000 crore in the land case, Naik expressed his complete support for local residents who are planning to approach the Supreme Court. He also informed attendees that a special meeting had been convened at the Mantralaya regarding the TDR controversy.
Citing the SGNP land case further, Naik alleged that certain decisions concerning land allocations had previously been executed while keeping then-Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule in the dark. Naik stated that after Bawankule promised an inquiry into the matter, the land in question was returned last week.
During the same event, representatives from the group 'Wake Up Thanekar' alongside Manoj Pradhan, the Thane District President of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), met Naik to submit a formal memorandum regarding a proposed data center and public land allocation issues.
Naik noted that the proposed data center project would consume massive power and water resources, emphasizing that there is strong local opposition to the project within Thane. He affirmed that citizens are preparing to challenge the data center in court and stated that he would write directly to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding necessary intervention.
