the State Government has decided to decentralise the internal system in MIHAN for faster and more efficient operations. The Mihan project was launched with much fanfare after which people of the region expected some prosperity. However, the subsequent lacklustre approach by the State Government slowed down the entire project. The project saw a somewhat better development rate between 2014 and 2019 due to strong political will towards development of Vidarbha, but that too failed to establish connect between the stakeholders and the Government. Now, in the new regime, the same Government has decided to decentralise the system. It has already appointed District Collector as the Joint Managing Director of Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), who will start playing an active role from this week.

  

Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Nagpur Devendra Fadnavis said, “We have given the responsibility of MIHAN to the Collector with a view to resolve issues faster and expedite various processes. During our last tenure, MIHAN moved ahead faster because of bestowing powers on Collector. If MIHAN issues are sorted out in Nagpur itself, nobody will have to wait for the nod from the officer sitting at Mumbai. I and our Chief Minister, who is the Chair, will keep getting updated reports of MIHAN, leading to its faster development.” The issues remain neglected because of lack of monitoring. For example, initially it was projected that there would be single window type clearances for fast development. The infrastructure was developed for the entire project and also environmental clearance was taken for entire land for fast paced development. The environmental clearance was accorded for a particular period. MADC should have processed the renewal before the end of period. It was not done. MADC got engaged to find consultant to get the extension.

 

However, due to lack of competency of the consultant the clearance is not yet obtained. The company like Persistent Systems is not able to move its project ahead. This delay in part of consultant and the MADC is going to cause a lot of hardship for all upcoming projects. The investors have come to MADC keeping in mind that the clearance for entire project is already taken. And this new development would result in unnecessary costs, time delays and losses to everyone. Also the existing projects which are planned for phased development would also get affected. There is every possibility that investors would abandon their plans to set up or upgrade the projects here and most likely move out. This development stinks of some sinister move to stall the development of MIHAN and the region.