Maharashtra to legalise irregularities in Lavasa project

Rane said the government would get a sizeable revenue,like around Rs 90 crore under provisions of the Land Ceiling Act alone,through penalties. Pointing out that the irregularities were committed by the collector who issued permissions on his own,he said an inquiry had been ordered and the collector and other officials behind the irregularities would face action.

He said even the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation — a government agency — had leased out 141 hectares without government approval. “We’ll fix responsibilities on government officials and agencies and take appropriate action¿ the process has been initiated. The penalties will be collected for irregularities with retrospective effect.”

Rane said the Pune collector had also been asked to appoint a competent authority to hear grievances on compensation for land acquired by Lavasa Corporation. “The affected persons will get compensation according to market rates.”

He said 12,316 of the 25,000 acres notified for Lavasa project had been bought by the promoters. Of the land acquired,282 hectares belong to tribals while the government had approved transfer of only 102 hectares.

The minister said the Rs 48,356-crore Lavasa project (2008-’23) would be implemented in four phases and it would include hotels,hospitals,schools,colleges,high-tech community centres,golf club,adventure club,ropeway,water sports and helipad facilities. The Lavasa Lake City had the potential of generating employment for 96,705 persons.