Belapur: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has unanimously approved the appointment of an expert agency to assess the impact of cluster redevelopment, increased Floor Space Index (FSI), and other redevelopment schemes on the city’s infrastructure.

The proposed study will examine the future carrying capacity of Navi Mumbai, including the impact of rising population and construction on water supply, traffic, sewage, electricity, schools, hospitals, and open spaces.

The proposal led to a heated debate during the General Body meeting, with BJP and Shiv Sena corporators differing over the Urban Renewal Scheme (URS), commonly known as cluster redevelopment.

Leader of the House Sagar Naik said, “Redevelopment is supported where old or densely populated areas require it, but we oppose indiscriminate additional FSI. Navi Mumbai should not be turned into Thane by granting higher FSI. Infrastructure capacity should be considered before permitting large-scale construction.”

Naik also suggested promoting self-redevelopment, arguing that it could reduce additional population pressure compared with developer-led projects.

Shiv Sena corporator Kishor Patkar defended cluster redevelopment, saying many residents live in old and unsafe buildings and deserve larger, safer homes. He argued that redevelopment should not be delayed and that shortcomings in existing provisions could be addressed.

Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde said, “Navi Mumbai’s last major infrastructure assessment was conducted around 2012, and the city has changed considerably since then. Changing MIDC land use, data centres, expanding gaothans, redevelopment of CIDCO buildings, and ageing structures necessitate a fresh study.”

The civic body is also examining future water requirements, including additional supplies from the Patalganga river and new water storage facilities.

Despite differences over redevelopment, corporators unanimously supported the need for an expert assessment to guide Navi Mumbai’s future development.