PAPs will be part-owners of the Navi Mumbai airport project: Sanjay Bhatia

Interview with Vice-chairman and Managing Director, Cidco

Hurdles before the much-delayed Navi Mumbai international airport have been cleared with the Maharashtra government and the project affected persons (PAPs) reaching an agreement over land acquisition. Sanjay Bhatia, vice-chairman and managing director of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (Cidco), the nodal agency for developing the airport, explains the compensation package for PAPs to Sanjay Jog. Excerpts:

How is the compensation package for PAPs unique?

Let me first tell you that the allotment of 22.5 per cent developed land to PAPs is the most historic decision taken by chief minister Prithviraj Chavan and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. The issue, which was hanging for the last 12 years, has been settled. No hurdle is left for the development of airport.

Cidco was offering 12.5 per cent developed land in addition to monetary compensation. However, in this case, an additional 10 per cent land was offered. So, in all, 22.5 per cent land will be provided. This is in order to make the PAPs partner in the airport project.

PAPs have been sticking to their demand of 35 per cent developed land. How come they agreed to 22.5 per cent?

PAPs have given their consent for 22.5 per cent developed land at today’s (Monday’s) meeting. Instead of providing 1.5 per cent floor space index (FSI), we will give approximately 2 FSI. The value of the developed land after the foundation stone is laid will be worth Rs 16-17 crore a hectare. This will increase further. Earlier, PAPs were getting the 12.5 per cent developed land after 10-15 years. Now, Cidco will make allot 22.5 per cent developed land the day they sign the consent award. Besides, for rehabilitation, PAPs will get three times the footprint area of their existing house. They will also get the construction cost of the existing plot.

What else will PAPs get?

Cidco will give 100 shares in the final project to each household. This will make them part owners of the airport project and they will be entitled to dividend.

Further, we have prepared a special vocational training and employability package for 18-35 year-olds. Cidco will conduct a survey and aptitude tests and organise career counselling. It will also spend on providing necessary training for appearance of these youths for competitive exams. Cidco will tie up with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and National Institute of Fashion Technology.

What is the status of land acquisition?

Of the total 2,268 hectares, nearly 1,573 hectares of land is in Cidco’s possession. With today's (Monday’s) accord, 671 hectares will be acquired not in a laid-down procedure, but it will be done voluntarily.

When Cidco will be in a position to issue request for qualification?

We expect to finalise the RFQ soon and forward it to the civil aviation ministry for its approval. Before end of December, RFQ will be issued.