Netas seek abolition of accommodation reservation policy in Thane

THANE: Elected representatives from Thane have sought scrapping of the accommodation reservation policy (ARP) alleging it was implemented by the town development office without valid sanctions from the state government and was only benefiting the developers while depriving the corporation treasury of any substantial gains.
The allegation was made by BJP corporator Mrunal Pendse before the Thane general body meeting, Thursday, while referring to communication with the corporation, said the policy was introduced in Thane in 2018 without any sanction from the state.As many as eight projects were executed under the scheme over the last four years apparently without any state approval, she alleged.
Pendse further also pointed out that four projects under the policy have now been held back by the present administration for a long time probably because of some lapses in the project.
“The corporation has replied to my query stating the policy was never sent to the urban development department for its sanction after it was okayed by the Thane general body in 2018. This means the policy is executed in Thane without state approvals apparently for the benefit of developers while the corporation coffers don’t seem to benefit. I have sought clarity on the same,” she questioned and urged the House that the scheme needs to be revisited and scrapped.
Mayor Naresh Mhaske said the issue would be taken up for discussion after consulting experts.
Meanwhile, an official from the TDO informed that the accommodation reservation scheme was launched wherein developers could purchase reserved plots and develop the reservation on 40% of the land and commercially exploit the rest of the area. The reservation once developed would be handed over to the corporation.
“The scheme is beneficial for the corporation as we get a reserved plot without the process of acquisition and also the reservation was being developed at no extra cost,” said the official while talking to TOI after the House proceedings ended.