Navi Mumbai: The state government has officially revoked the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA)’s status as the special planning authority for 14 newly incorporated villages in Thane district. As of August 23, 2024, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has been granted the powers of the special planning authority for these villages, paving the way for their development.

The 14 villages—Dahisar, Mokali, Walivali, Pimpri, Nighu, Navali, Wakaln, Bamarli, Narivali, Bale, Nagaon Bhandarli, Uttar Shiv, and Goteghar—were added to the NMMC jurisdiction six months ago. However, the retention of special planning authority by MMRDA had stalled development plans for these areas. The NMMC had subsequently requested the state government to transfer these powers, which has now been approved.

Until NMMC finalizes and implements a new development plan for these villages, the existing regional plan approved by MMRDA and the Integrated Development Control and Promotion Regulations will remain in effect. The NMMC is also advised to coordinate with MMRDA regarding ongoing projects where permissions had already been granted but development is incomplete.

Somnath Kekan, Assistant Director of the Urban Planning Department at NMMC, stated that the transfer of authority will enable more streamlined development processes for the 14 villages. NMMC will now work on drafting a new development plan for these areas, which, once approved by the government, will integrate them fully into the municipal development framework.