Navi Mumbai: The MMRDA Karnala Sai Chirner (KSC) Navnagar Virodhi Samiti has issued a heartfelt appeal to villagers whose homes and farmlands fall under the proposed Third Mumbai development project, urging them not to sell their ancestral land at dirt-cheap rates.
In an open letter addressed to ‘farmer brothers,’ the Samiti recalled past struggles against similar land acquisition attempts. "Since 2003, the government has made five attempts to acquire our land for various projects. In 2006, there was an effort to take over our land under the guise of Reliance’s Maha-Mumbai SEZ. We fought back legally and on the streets for five years—and we won,” the letter states, reminding the community of their historic victory.
The Samiti claims that a new wave of land pressure has begun under the banner of ‘Third Mumbai,’ with brokers allegedly misleading farmers and luring the youth with false promises. “Do not fall into this trap,” the letter warns.
Citing infrastructure developments such as the Atal Setu and rapid urbanization, the Samiti highlights how land prices in the region have increased dramatically. “Land near JNPT and Navi Mumbai is valued at over Rs 1 crore per guntha. In fact, in a 2017 order, the Raigad Collector set compensation for NHIA-affected farmers at Rs 58.80 lakh per guntha,” the letter stated.
The group accuses real estate speculators of buying land at throwaway prices with an eye on future profits. “They are not fools. They know how valuable this land will be. Don’t let them snatch your motherland for just Rs 2–4 lakh per guntha.”
In a direct message to the youth, the Samiti urges them not to sell land nurtured by generations for momentary gains. “Be patient. Join the struggle against MMRDA. Through unity, we can win justice,” the letter concludes.
“We have printed 5000 copies of the letter and would be distributing this among the villagers of Karnala, Sai and Chirner villages. Besides, its being circulate through whatsapp as well,” ex IRS and President of the Samiti, Sudhakar Patil, said.
