Navi Mumbai: Belapur Housing Society Residents Oppose Redevelopment Citing Illegality

Mumbai: One of the biggest cooperative housing societies of CBD-Belapur, Neelgiri Gardens, is in the midst of a controversy over its redevelopment.

The core issue allegedly is that it's going in for redevelopment without a conveyance deed, which is a document that transfers ownership of land title from one party to another.

Residents demand action from CIDCO

Situated besides Apollo Hospital on Amra Marg in CBD-Belapur, the 22-tower society consists of 480 apartments, 10 bungalows and 20 commercial establishments. According to one of the society residents, who does not wish to be named, the managing committee’s decision of going in for redevelopment violates the rules. “The committee has published a notice in some newspapers inviting tenders from interested parties for redeveloping the society. This is against the law. The Registrar of Cooperative Societies and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) need to take strict action against this,” the resident demanded.

Stating that the managing committee has also appointed a project management consultant for the redevelopment, the resident said that the issue was discussed in the society's special general meeting held recently. The discussion concluded with the rejection of the proposal on the ground that the society can go for redevelopment only if it gets the conveyance deed.

Residents feel their demands are being ignored

“The managing committee is functioning in an autocratic way and not honouring the sentiments of the majority of residents. When questioned about possession of the conveyance deed, the managing committee said the project management consultant will ensure that the conveyance deed is in place before commencing the redevelopment process,” another resident said on condition of anonymity.

Society Secretary Janardan Deshmukh said, “We have neither invited and tender, nor we have published any advertisement regarding that. However, we are contemplating doing so by next week. Our process is completely legal since we are in possession of the conveyance deed and other required documents.”

A CIDCO official said, “If the society approaches us and submits the required documents, we can give them a lease deed based on which it can apply for the redevelopment. However, the society has not approached us till date and if they are going in for redevelopment without possessing the conveyance deed then it is illegal.”