The National Alliance for People’s Movements (NAPM) has filed a caveat
in the Supreme Court seeking that the NAPM be given a hearing in the matter of
Hiranandani Gardens, before the court gives its decision, said NAPM convenor
Medha Patkar on Friday.
Patkar was reacting to reports that the group is exploring the option of
appealing against the Bombay High Court order of stopping the developer from
constructing any further in its Powai project.
“While the Urban Land Ceiling Act required the developer to hand over
land in excess of 500 sq m to the government, the project was granted exemption
under the condition that the developer would construct smaller houses for the
poor. But the project has only palatial homes of 2,000 sq ft and above,” said
Patkar.
She added that the 230 acres were acquired by the MMRDA from local
villagers at Powai and Tirandaz. It was later handed over to the group at 40
paisa per acre, on condition that they would construct affordable housing.
“We have filed a caveat saying that unless our side is heard, the apex
court should not give a decision,” she said. A tripartite agreement for the
Powai Area Development Scheme was signed between the developer, MMRDA and state
government.
The
High Court has directed Hiranandani to stop further construction unless around
3,100 affordable houses of 430 and 861 square feet are set up. Moreover, as per
rules, the state government should be given 450 flats at a rate of Rs 135 per s
ft.
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