Allegations of Misappropriation of Funds Regarding Belapur Parking Space Disputed by CIDCO, Navi Mumbai
News Article
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has recently faced allegations of misusing public funds related to infrastructure development in Navi Mumbai, particularly around parking arrangements near its headquarters in CBD Belapur. These accusations were raised by the citizen group Sajag Nagarik Manch.
CIDCO strongly denies any misuse of funds, stating that the expenditures were for precautionary measures to maintain security and hygiene on a stretch of vacant land beneath high-tension power lines. The area, while not owned by CIDCO, falls under its administrative control as per Maharashtra government notifications on Navi Mumbai's planned development.
The dispute is about a vacant land beneath a high-tension line in front of CIDCO Bhavan, where the complainant accuses CIDCO of unauthorized parking arrangements, CCTV installation, lighting, and security deployment. CIDCO, as the New Town Development Authority (NTDA), holds administrative control over the land for planning and maintenance purposes.
In its official response to Sajag Nagarik Manch’s legal notice, CIDCO emphasized that the works—installation of CCTV cameras, lighting, security personnel deployment, and cleaning—are routine duties within its administrative mandate to safeguard public areas, especially near important government offices like the Reserve Bank of India. They clarified that no permanent structures were erected on the land, the area is not used for commercial parking, and measures comply with safety regulations.
CIDCO labeled the allegations as "baseless and unsubstantiated" and indicated readiness to pursue legal action against defamatory claims. The legal notice in question was issued on an unspecified date, but CIDCO's official reply was dated July 24.
Meanwhile, separate but related controversies involve allegations of corrupt practices and mismanagement within CIDCO, particularly concerning plot allocations. For instance, a notable case involves the alleged fraudulent acquisition of a high-value plot worth Rs 60 crore linked to improper land swap policy usage by an individual named Gharat. CIDCO canceled his allotment and filed a police complaint accusing him of wrongful gain and violation of procedures. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also probing CIDCO officials for potential procedural lapses and misuse in the compensation policy. The accused denies wrongdoing and claims false implication.
Sajag Nagarik Manch, having issued a legal notice, is reportedly reviewing CIDCO’s official response, suggesting further actions might follow depending on their assessment. Political and civic tensions around CIDCO’s governance and Navi Mumbai’s development are high, with voices accusing officials and politicians of corruption and resource mismanagement.
In summary, CIDCO denies misuse of funds on the Belapur parking space issue raised by Sajag Nagarik Manch, framing their actions as legitimate administrative work within their authority, while other corruption-related allegations linked to land scams continue to be under investigation by legal and enforcement authorities.
Elsewhere, in Lucknow, the 30-seat Cyber Crime Helpline Centre has been inaugurated in the PGI area. The centre aims to provide support in handling cybercrime cases and will be staffed by trained professionals.
In other news, Shashi Prakash Goyal has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. Goyal, an IAS officer of the 1987 batch, succeeds RK Tiwari.
In Gorakhpur, an electrician has reportedly committed suicide by slitting his throat with a cutter machine, causing concerns about domestic stress and a possible note. The incident is currently under investigation.
Finally, the 2008 Malegaon blast verdict has acquitted all 7 accused, including Sudhakar Chaturvedi, after a 17-year trial. The judgement has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing relief and others questioning the evidence presented in court.
- Beyond the parking space issue in Navi Mumbai, CIDCO is also facing corruption-related allegations in other matters, such as suspicious plot allocations and improper land swap policies, which are currently being investigated by legal and enforcement authorities.
- In a different development unrelated to the CIDCO scandal, the 30-seat Cyber Crime Helpline Centre was inaugurated in Lucknow to aid in handling cybercrime cases and will employ trained professionals.
- Concurrently, the business sector in India saw a significant development as Shashi Prakash Goyal was appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, replacing RK Tiwari.
