M’rashtra keen on reviving stalled Navi Mumbai SEZ

Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, May 27

The Maharashtra Government is keen on reviving the Navi Mumbai Special Economic Zone which has been stalled by land acquisition problems, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said at an event here earlier this week.

The Navi Mumbai SEZ was originally promoted by Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani in 2005. As per the original plan, the SEZ was to be spread over 10,000 hectares. However, following stiff opposition from farmers, the government could acquire only around 2,140 hectares.

Fadnavis told the Maharashtra Economic Development Council that the state government would develop the SEZ on its own after taking back the land allotted to Ambani and his associates. “The Navi Mumbai SEZ would be close to ports and airports and has the best chance to succeed,” he said.

So far, the state government has issued nearly 300 notices to various companies who have been allotted land for various projects but are still to begin work.