Cluster development will make city slum-free: Ganesh Naik

Thane guardian minister Ganesh Naik has advocated need for cluster development in Navi Mumbai to make it slum-free. A meeting with chief minister Prithviraj Chavan will be held soon and steps will be taken to provide homes to slum dwellers, minister Naik said, while addressing residents of Turbhe Stores on Friday.

The guardian minister, as part of his initiative, is reaching out to people of all wards to understand their grievances. "We are committed to provide home to every slum-dweller and to make the city slum-free. In a step ahead in this direction, the municipal administration has been directed to conduct a fresh survey of remaining 30% slum-dwellers," said Naik.

He added, "The Navi Mumbai civic body will be constructing an underpass on the Thane-Belapur Road for residents of Turbhe so they can cross the road easily."

Residents of the satellite city have been waiting for state government's decision on cluster development so slums can make way for buildings, redevelopment of old and dangerous Cidco structures can be undertaken and development can be carried out in gaothan areas in a planned fashion. While NCP has been batting for cluster development in the satellite city, opposition Shiv Sena has been opposing the blanket decision to carry out cluster development in Navi Mumbai.