State won’t hand over 3ha of Aarey land for Metro-III works, for now

Mumbai: The state government’s attempts to hand over three hectares of Aarey land for commercial exploitation for the Metro-III car shed have been stayed for now.
The agriculture, animal husbandry and dairy development department, which had issued a government resolution (GR) in March, announcing its decision to transfer the land to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, stayed it with another GR on Monday.
The GR issued on Monday states that all government and semi-government agencies that seek land for creation of new facilities should not make any application for land in Aarey.
The GR follows an appeal by the NGO Vanashakti before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), questioning the decision to transfer three hectares when the tribunal was already hearing a matter on declaring Aarey an eco-sensitive zone, and it pointed to the tribunal’s 2015 order that a status quo be maintained while the hearing is on.
The department, through the GR, has said that even for repairs and restoration of existing structures, water and electricity supply, all agencies will have to first obtain the law and judiciary department’s opnion and approval from the tribunal. “Even providing for basic amenities to padas and slums in Aarey will now be required to be approved by the NGT before it is put before the department,” said the official.
The GR has advised organizations and contractors to look for land outside Aarey. It further states that the final decision on any matter related to Aarey would vest with the chief minister.