Navi Mumbai: Chirle Villagers Threaten Protest on Atal Setu Inauguration Day over Unfulfilled Development Promises by MMRDA

Uran, 6th January 2024: Residents of Chirle village in Uran are gearing up for a potential protest on the inauguration day of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu) due to unfulfilled promises of urban development works by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Despite assurances of a 20-crore urban development plan within the Gram Panchayats’ limits, the promised works remain incomplete, prompting villagers to consider taking to the streets.

Chirle village has been directly affected by the construction of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu), with the MMRDA pledging urban development initiatives amounting to 20 crores within the Gram Panchayats’ jurisdiction. However, the delay in completion has sparked dissatisfaction among the villagers, particularly concerning the non-payment of land compensation to farmers impacted by the project.

The decision to potentially protest during the inauguration stems from the villagers’ frustration over verbal assurances rather than written guarantees regarding compensation and development works. Despite the bridge significantly reducing travel time from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai to just 20 minutes, concerns persist among farmers and fishermen who have faced disruptions due to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link construction.

While the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link has been completed, several issues persist, including the non-payment of land compensation to affected farmers and financial compensation to fishermen in villages such as Nhava Sheva, Nhava Khadi, Gavan, Jasai, and Gharapuri. The construction of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, which runs through Chirle village in Uran taluka, has resulted in the acquisition of land belonging to local farmers awaiting compensation.

The MMRDA had orally promised to execute development projects for the benefit of Chirle village residents impacted by the sea bridge. These projects include road concreting between Chirle, Gaothan, and Jambhuland Pada village, and beautification of lakes, internal roads, and drains, among other initiatives, totalling approximately 20 crores. Sarpanch Sudhakar Patil revealed that the Chirle Gram Panchayat has issued a warning of impending protests against the MMRDA and the Maharashtra State Government unless written guarantees and the fulfilment of promises are promptly addressed.