In a decision that is going to rankle the developer of major project at Sitabuldi market, Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) has decided to realise ground rent from the date of allotment of land for redevelopment whose period was extended in view of delay in completion. The Board, at its 1,217th meeting held on Tuesday at NIT Headquarters, Sadar, debated the matter at length and adopted a resolution to seek total dues from 2022 from the developer. NIT handed over 10,602.09 sq mtrs land in prime Sitabuldi market to Pune-based developer for construction of mega mall. The dispute has arisen after the developer stated to NIT that the rent should be taken from the date of commissioning of the project and sought refund of amount deposited till 2014.

 

This is so as the Sitabuldi market redevelopment project got embroiled in major litigation as shopkeepers and developer was having contradictory stance on rehabilitation of the existing traders. The project faced inordinate delay and the construction was on at slow pace and protracted legal battle ensued. The NIT board mentioned that developer has paid dues till 2014 but thereafter the returns as per the agreement was not deposited. The Board decided to refer the matter to Divisional Officer and adjust the fund dues from developer against the money he has deposited in excess with the NIT till 2014. The balance amount should then be recovered from the developer as he has been given extension for completion of the redevelopment project. Another issued decided by the Board related to its land in Mouza Gadga where two plots no. 303 and 304 was utilised for construction of theatre.

 

As per 2001 Development Plan the land is classified as commercial and NIT should tax the ground rent as per that rate. Similarly, in Mouza Manewada at Shree Geeta Nagar Co-op Housing society 0.35 Ha land was reserved for primary school and 18 meter DP road. At present however 43 per cent of land earmarked for school has seen construction of houses and from 0.6120 Ha meant for road about 30 per cent has seen pucca construction. Hence to rectify with current situation the NIT Board gave consent for changing the reservation from primary school and road to residential.