Chief secy to probe changes in Nashik ring road alignment in three days: Bawankule

Nashik: State govt has ordered a high-level inquiry to be completed within three days into the controversial alteration of the Nashik ring road alignment, revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule told the legislative assembly on Thursday, assuring legislators that no land would be acquired forcibly and that all affected farmers would be compensated in accordance with legal provisions.The issue was raised through a calling attention motion by MLA Vijay Wadettiwar, who alleged that changes were deliberately made to the original alignment of the ring road, particularly around Pathardi Phata in southern Nashik, to facilitate large-scale land irregularities.Responding to the allegations, Bawankule said the inquiry would determine the reasons behind the alignment modification. “Land deals in the affected zone over the past three years will be scrutinised to ascertain whether anyone purchased land with prior knowledge of the project.

If any deliberate manipulation is found, the chief secretary will lead the investigation,” he said.The controversy gained momentum after Devlali MLA Saroj Ahire wrote to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on June 9, alleging that a director associated with a consultant firm engaged by Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) had misused privileged information from the publicly funded planning process for personal gain.

According to Ahire, the consultant allegedly purchased land shortly before the ring road notification was issued and subsequently influenced the project alignment to ensure that the land would be acquired by MSIDC. Bawankule also addressed allegations levelled by public representatives against other senior officials, announcing that the conduct of these officials would also be examined through an inquiry overseen by the chief secretary.The minister, however, strongly defended IAS officer Pavandatta, assistant collector and sub-divisional officer of Trimbakeshwar-Igatpuri, who came under criticism for wearing a helmet during land measurement activities in Matori and Mungsara villages, where farmers have been strongly opposing land acquisition and demanding changes to the ring road alignment. “The officer was dealing with a volatile law-and-order situation.

Some protesters attempted self-immolation, carried kerosene bottles and resorted to stone-pelting. The helmet was worn purely for personal safety,” Bawankule said.Reiterating the importance of the project, the minister said it remained critical for managing the massive influx of pilgrims expected during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. He said govt would engage further with farmers to address their concerns and build consensus.

“Land acquisition and related processes will continue under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, while govt remains open to providing additional assistance if required,” he said.MLA Saroj Ahire, who had earlier protested against the revised alignment and staged a demonstration on the steps of Mantralaya on Wednesday, also raised the issue in the assembly and expressed hope that govt would ensure that farmers’ interests were protected while pursuing the project.