Govt. seeks clarity on, money matters for Deolali Cantonment

The Directorate of Municipal Administration in Navi Mumbai, under the state government's jurisdiction, has initiated steps to gain clarity from the Deolali Cantonment Board in Nashik on several pivotal matters. This pursuit of information aims to facilitate "concrete conclusions" regarding the proposed plan to exclude civilian areas within the cantonment and amalgamate them with a neighbouring civic body.

The multifaceted issues at hand encompass various crucial aspects, including the geographic continuity of the civil areas slated for exclusion, essential for unhindered movement and developmental endeavours. Additionally, considerations entail factors such as floor space index (FSI), building permission regulations, the impending salary and pension obligations of employees, particularly those nearing retirement, that will be transferred to the civic body. Matters related to taxation rates, the age and depreciated value of infrastructure and utilities, as well as revenue and expenditure, are also under scrutiny.

An official from the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) elaborated, stating that "The directorate will forward its final recommendation on the merger to the state government after clarity on these issues, and the state would communicate it to the Ministry of Defence." This process is expected to have relevance and applicability to the Aurangabad cantonment as well, as indicated by a senior officer from the Directorate General of Defence Estates.