Maharashtra Cabinet Clears 4 Hectares in Panvel’s Asudgaon for Intelligence Bureau Housing
Published 17 Sep 2025, 2:05 PM IST
Key Points
Maharashtra Cabinet (Sept 9, 2025) approved the allotment of ~4 hectares (≈10 acres) of government grazing land in Mauje Asudgaon, Panvel.
The land will be used for constructing modern residential quarters for the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB).
The parcel (Survey No. 59/8, ~37,230 sq. m) matches earlier Raigad district records linked to New Mumbai/NAINA acquisition proposals.
The land has been granted as Occupant Class-II at 50% of the Ready Reckoner (non-cultivated) rate, as per Revenue Department rules.
Reports cite provisions of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code (Sections 22A, 40) that regulate disposal of “gairan” (grazing) land.
No public consultation notices or documented objections specific to this allotment were found in the press or official portals.
Why Asudgaon, Panvel?
Asudgaon sits in a rapidly developing corridor of Navi Mumbai — near the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the JNPT road corridor, Sion–Panvel Expressway, and key logistic hubs. Its proximity to sensitive installations and infrastructure makes it a strategic location for central agencies like the IB.
How Much Land Was Allocated?
The cabinet cleared ~4 hectares (≈10 acres), which equals 37,230 sq. m. Raigad district revenue records confirm Survey No. 59/8 at Asudgaon with that same measurement, previously appearing in land acquisition proposals for CIDCO’s New Mumbai project.
The Legal Basis
According to news reports, the state used provisions under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code:
Section 22A restricts diversion of grazing land.
Section 40 gives the State powers to dispose of government land.
The allotment has been made under Occupant Class-II terms, with conditions on use and resale, at 50% of the Ready Reckoner rate for non-cultivated land.
Impact on Navi Mumbai
1. Strategic & Security Angle
Locating SIB housing near NMIA, expressways, and the JNPT corridor may reflect a push to strengthen intelligence presence in a high-value growth node.
It signals increased federal interest in Navi Mumbai’s urban belt beyond just commercial and residential projects.
2. Land Use & Civic Priorities
The land was earlier listed in Raigad’s records under broader acquisition for New Mumbai/NAINA. Whether it was earmarked for civic amenities (parks, hospitals, affordable housing) in the latest Panvel Development Plan isn’t yet clear.
This raises broader questions Navi Mumbaikars often ask: should government land in fast-growing nodes go to security agencies, public amenities, or commercial development?
3. Transparency & Consultation
No public notices or consultation records specific to this decision have appeared in mainstream press or government sites.
In past cases, Navi Mumbai residents have raised objections when CIDCO auctioned or re-reserved land originally marked for public facilities. While such disputes are documented, no direct protest tied to this IB allotment has surfaced publicly.
What Still Needs Clarity
Reservation status: Was Survey No. 59/8 earmarked in the latest Panvel DP for any specific civic amenity before the allotment?
Process transparency: Were any local bodies or gram panchayats consulted before diverting this gairan land?
Long-term precedent: Will other grazing/public-use parcels in Navi Mumbai’s growth nodes also be allotted to central/state agencies?
Bottom Line
The cabinet’s September 9 decision to grant ~4 hectares in Panvel’s Asudgaon for SIB housing is verified through multiple reports and revenue records. The location is strategically important, the legal process has precedent, and the concessional pricing (50% Ready Reckoner rate) follows established rules.
For Navi Mumbaikars, the development highlights the city’s growing geostrategic importance, while also reviving the recurring debate over how scarce public land in fast-growing nodes should be balanced between security needs, housing, and civic amenities.
Sources
Cabinet decision, land size (4 hectares / ~10 acres), Occupant Class-II status, 50% Ready Reckoner rate, purpose (residential quarters for SIB officers)
The Times of IndiaCabinet release reporting, legal references (Maharashtra Land Revenue Code provisions), confirmation of Panvel location
The Indian ExpressAdditional cabinet briefing summary, confirmation of 4 hectares in Panvel for SIB quarters
Free Press JournalSurvey No. 59/8 (37,230 sq. m ≈ 3.723 ha) Asudgaon entry in Raigad revenue records; earlier land acquisition proposal for New Mumbai project
Raigad District Government (official notice)Legal framework: Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, Sections 22A & 40 (rules on grazing land diversion and state disposal powers)
India Code
