Farmers take oath to block Third Mumbai project as state pushes ahead

The proposed Third Mumbai (Karnala–Sai–Chirner New Town) project has entered a crucial phase as hundreds of farmers and residents from 124 villages across Uran, Panvel, and Pen have pledged to oppose the project, citing concerns over land acquisition, rehabilitation, and the future of their livelihoods.

The resolution was adopted during a public convention organised by the MMRDA KSC Navnagar Virodhi Samiti, where participants vowed not to surrender their land and stated that they would continue their protest through legal and democratic means. The development comes even as the Maharashtra Government moves ahead with the project's planning process by appointing a consultant to prepare the master plan.

What Is the Third Mumbai Project?

The Third Mumbai, officially known as the Karnala–Sai–Chirner (KSC) New Town, is a major urban development project proposed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Farmers take oath to block Third Mumbai project as state pushes ahead.

Spread across nearly 323 square kilometres, the project covers 124 villages in Uran, Panvel, and Pen talukas of Raigad district. The vision is to create a new planned city that supports the growing Mumbai Metropolitan Region while leveraging connectivity through the Atal Setu, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).

Why Are Farmers Opposing the Project?

Farmer groups argue that the issue extends beyond compensation. They believe the project could affect ancestral lands, agricultural activities, fishing livelihoods, village settlements, and local identity.

Key concerns raised by residents include:

• Land acquisition and ownership rights

• Rehabilitation and resettlement

• Protection of traditional livelihoods

• Transparency in the planning process

• Long-term impact on villages and local communities

Farmer representatives have also expressed concerns regarding previously submitted objections and have called for wider consultation before the project moves forward.

Government's Vision for Third Mumbai

The Maharashtra Government and MMRDA maintain that the project is intended to promote planned urban development, reduce pressure on Mumbai, and create a new economic growth corridor.

The proposed city is expected to support:

• Residential townships

• Commercial and business districts

• Logistics and industrial development

• Modern infrastructure

• Improved regional connectivity

• Employment opportunities

Officials have stated that the project is being implemented through statutory procedures while balancing development with the interests of existing communities.

Why Is This Project Important?

As Mumbai continues to experience rapid urbanisation, planners are exploring new cities to accommodate future population and economic growth.

The Third Mumbai project represents one of Maharashtra's largest planned urban expansion initiatives and has the potential to reshape development across the Raigad region. However, its success will depend on achieving a balance between infrastructure development and the concerns of affected landowners.

What Does It Mean for Real Estate?

If implemented successfully, Third Mumbai could become a significant real estate and infrastructure hub within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Potential opportunities include:

• Expansion of residential developments

• Growth in commercial and industrial projects

• Increased infrastructure investment

• Improved regional connectivity

• Rising long-term investment potential in surrounding areas

At the same time, the pace of development will depend on policy implementation, land acquisition processes, and stakeholder engagement.

Looking Ahead

The appointment of a master-plan consultant signals that planning for Third Mumbai is moving forward. However, the growing opposition from farmers indicates that discussions surrounding land rights, compensation, and rehabilitation will remain central to the project's future.

The coming months are expected to play a key role in determining how Maharashtra balances large-scale urban development with the interests of local communities.

Conclusion Farmers take oath to block Third Mumbai project as state pushes ahead

The Third Mumbai project reflects Maharashtra's ambition to create a next-generation urban centre capable of supporting future economic growth and infrastructure needs. At the same time, the concerns raised by farmers highlight the importance of transparent planning, fair compensation, and meaningful stakeholder participation.

As the project progresses, its long-term success will depend on finding a sustainable path that supports both regional development and the rights of local communities.

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Author: Ajjay Bhagyakar

Published by: Griha Realty

Source: Hindustan Times