Maharashtra's Iconic Cities Policy: Transforming Land Use and Development

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the 'iconic cities' policy aimed at optimizing land use by CIDCO and other agencies for integrated townships. The policy also involves MHADA housing redevelopment and new posts for efficient land acquisition processes. Amendments to various acts were also passed.

The Maharashtra cabinet has given the green light to an 'iconic cities' policy, a strategic initiative for utilizing land owned by CIDCO and state agencies more effectively. This policy will facilitate the development of integrated townships with thematic focuses, including residential and international business zones.

The cabinet's decisions also included the redevelopment of MHADA housing projects on over 20 acres in Mumbai suburbs, aimed at boosting affordable housing. In another move, 339 new positions were created in the Relief and Rehabilitation and Skill Development Departments to expedite land-related processes.

The cabinet approved the elimination of derogatory language from the Maharashtra Prevention of Begging Act, 1959, in compliance with a Supreme Court directive. Further, amendments to the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950 were also sanctioned.

(With inputs from agencies.)