Mumbai: A prominent one-acre plot on Carmichael Road, one of South Mumbai’s top luxury real estate locations, has been sold to Mah-Hill Properties, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, for a staggering Rs 170 crore.
The transaction took place in March between Behram Nowrosji Gamadia, who inherited the land, and the Adani Group firm, according to property registration documents sourced by CRE Matrix, a real estate data analytics firm.
The parcel, located in a highly sought-after neighborhood, currently holds an old residential cottage spanning 2,760 square feet. The buyer has also paid over Rs 10.46 crore towards stamp duty for the transaction.
However, the change in reservation of this plot from Children’s Green Park to commercial purposes has sparked controversy among citizens and green activists. The plot, originally designated for a children's park and green space in the 1991 Development Plan (DP), is now being considered for commercial development.
Activist Zoru Bhathena said that buying a property in no wrong however concern is raised over the change of reservation. I have sent a letter to the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on April 4th pointing out that the plot is protected under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) provisions.
The letter reads, ”the plot falls under CRZ-II, which is subject to strict environmental protections, and is classified as a Non-Development Zone (NDZ) under CRZ-III. The land, which is thickly wooded and contains century-old trees, is also part of the M L Dahanukar Marg Heritage Precinct.”
Bhathena has urged both the BMC and MCZMA to reject any future development proposals for the site, stressing that its status as a "Green Lung" area cannot be altered. He called for the preservation of the site as a vital green space for Mumbai's environment and children’s recreational needs.
The controversy surrounding the ongoing tensions over de reservation of this prime one acre plot at Carmichael road in south Mumbai and Adani Group subsidiary firm buying it has raised eyebrows while it is yet to be ascertained how the real estate company’s subsidiary is whether to develop the property.
