MMRDA ignored our letters on Adarsh society: UDD secy

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) issued an occupation certificate (OC) to Adarsh society despite the apprehensions of the urban development department (UDD), additional chief secretary of UDD TC Benjamin told the two-member Adarsh commission on Friday.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) issued an occupation certificate (OC) to Adarsh society despite the apprehensions of the urban development department (UDD), additional chief secretary of UDD TC Benjamin told the two-member Adarsh commission on Friday.

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"The note, sent on July 29, 2010, was approved by me. It was sent to the MMRDA that is responsible for granting OCs. In spite of that, the MMRDA issued the certificate," said Benjamin.

The MMRDA is the special planning authority for Cuffe Parade area and issues OCs after the developer has complied with the rules. The UDD's letter was written as a senior officer of the Navy had expressed his apprehension over the structure posing a serious security threat.

"I agree that the concerns expressed in the letter require to be taken cognisance, but it was presumed that it would be cognisant at the level of the planning authority," said Benjamin.

Benjamin blamed the MMRDA as the power, from granting permissions to issuing OC, was with the authority. The development authority also ignored a letter sent by the UDD seeking a detailed report on Adarsh, following a complaint by social activist Simpreet Singh on August 27, 2008, said Benjamin.

"This letter was sent to GOC, western command, with copies to various agencies including the UDD. This was sent to the MMRDA on September 30, 2008, with a request for a detailed report. Neither did the MMRDA reply to the letter nor did they file any report," he added.

Benjamin said using the Floor Space Index (FSI) of the BEST plot for Adarsh was wrong since FSI is plot-specific.