MMRDA assures allotment of spaces double the size provided it gets existing plots; BGTA members claim development body wants to exploit skyrocketing property rates in the area
Wadala Truck Terminus.
Adding to the spate of controversies surrounding the alleged irregularities observed while allotting office spaces and godowns at Wadala Truck Terminal (WTT) by the Bombay Goods Transport Association (BGTA) is the proposed signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the association and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
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Also read: 'Allocation of office space at terminal laced with fraud'
Through this pact, the MMRDA is promising BGTA members a high-rise at Wadala Truck Terminus (WTT) and allotment of spaces double the existing areas to the members provided they handover their plots. However, most of the BGTA members claimed that the MoU cannot be signed due to an ongoing inquiry into alleged fraud observed during the plot allocation in the past. A few of the members even alleged that MMRDA wants to cash in on the skyrocketing property rates in the area by leasing out or selling out the plot it owns.
Wadala Truck Terminus. File pic
“Irregularities were observed during the allotment of tenements in the past. While several non-members were allotted plots, a few of the existing members got more than one plot, which is illegal. We have complained about the same to the MMRDA, the Anti-corruption Bureau (ACB) and even the CM’s office. An inquiry is already underway, for which MMRDA even appointed an officer. How can it even think of signing an MoU in such a scenario?” said BD Goel, BGTA member.
MoU draft ready?
Another BGTA members, requesting anonymity, claimed that the MMRDA has already prepared a rough draft of MoU to be signed between the two parties.
One of the points (sent to mid-day by the member) mentioned in the draft reads: “Point number (a) from the rough draft that has been prepared states that BGTA has agreed to surrender their right title interest in the demarcated pitches, in the plots (including their rights to built-up area) and hand over vacant and peaceful possession of the plots to MMRDA in consideration of MMRDA agreeing to provide BGTA constructed premises on a single plot, twice the built-up area (for example if existing built-up area is 500 sq ft then MMRDA will give 1,000 square feet built-up area) motioned in the allotment letter and license agreement.”
While MMRDA Commissioner UPS Madan remained unavailable, Joint Project Director Dilip Kawathkar refused to comment citing the ongoing investigation.
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