Nagpur: Fresh trouble erupted for Glocal Square Mall, best known as Buty Mall, coming up at Munje Square in Sitabuldi here, as the project has once again caught in the land row. The latest problem emanated from the recent cancellation of previous order by Superintendant of Land Records passed way back in 2011. This order had allowed increase in land area of the project without seeking the permission from Nagpur Municipal Corporation and Nagpur Improvement Trust, who actually owned the land.Now with the latest order coming to the fore the Mall would face problems in getting permissions.
The project’s land area had been increased by 6,724.23 sq m. (72,352.71 sq ft) by an order passed four-and-a-half-years ago.
Deputy director of land records, Nagpur region , Balasaheb Kale, passed the order on March 31 this year, setting aside the order dated December 19, 2011, passed to increase land area by the then superintendent of land records (SLR) SC Suryawanshi. However, Kale has given a chance to the developer to submit an application seeking revision in project land area.
The project owners Goel Ganga has already submitted the application. The outcome of this latest application will make it clear whether the land area added to the project remains with the developer or not. The project, which is nearing completion, will change in case the order goes against the developer.
As per Kale’s order, the area added to the project was owned by Nagpur Municipal Corporation ( NMC ), Nagpur Improvement Trust ( NIT ) and others. If the fresh order goes against the developer, it could well be described as a case of land grabbing.
Vice-president Anup Khandelwal of Goel Ganga told TOI the order passed by the SLR has been cancelled due to procedural lapses. “The area added to the project belongs to original land owners — Buty family. There is no problem in the project. We are hopeful of getting the area corrected again. The project is very important for the city as it will ease traffic congestion in Sitabuldi and provide all types of facilities to citizens at one place,” he said.
Seven members of Buty family were owners of the project land. They had entered into an agreement with Goel Ganga to execute the project. Goel Ganga is developing the project at its own cost. Goel Ganga had paid some amount to the Buty family and will give some area in the project in lieu of the land. Goel Ganga will sell shops in the project to get a profit.
Ajay Tajpuriya of Goel Ganga had, on behalf of Buty family, filed a case with the SLR seeking area correction. The SLR had passed order increasing area by 6,724.23 sq m (72,352.71 sq ft). With the order, total project area increased to 19,734.85 sq m or 2,12,346.986 sq ft.
The deputy director’s order said, “Irregularities have been proved in order passed by SLR. Director of land records, Pune, sent a letter dated July 10, 2015, to me giving rights. Accordingly, I am passing the orders after conducting hearings,” he said.
Abhyankar Road is situated on west side of the project. NIT had expanded the Abhyankar Road by acquiring land. A nullah is situated on east side of the project. NMC owns the nullah area. There is a school and also some open space of NMC on south side of the project. As per Kale’s order, the area increased by SLR in project was from three directions — east, west and south. It means, area of road, nullah and one khasra was added into the project.
“SLR did not hear the NMC and NIT who own the land in question. Also, area of four khasras changed, which actually empowers the collector to take a decision. Still, the SLR went on to utilize his powers to correct area,” Kale said in his order.
Half of the members of Buty family gave statements against SLR order and developer during hearings.
