MMRDA failed to recover Rs 3,000 crore dues: RTI activist

MMRDA had issued notices to five companies on September 12 asking them to pay the dues within 15 days. (File Photo)

After sending notices to five companies for failing to timely complete construction on Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) plots, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has failed to recover its Rs 3,000 crore dues, alleged RTI activist Anil Galgali.

“The MMRDA, which is headed by the CM, is rapidly losing its sting and authority as can be understood from its abject failure to recover its own dues amounting to Rs 3,000 crore. Of the total outstanding amount, 95 per cent is to be recovered from Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries Limited (RIL),” said Galgali.

Earlier in August, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had accused MMRDA of showing undue leniency towards RIL. The company was asked to pay additional premium after they failed to complete work on the two plots allotted to them in 2007.

MMRDA had issued notices to five companies on September 12 asking them to pay the dues within 15 days.

Among the other defaulters, Jamnalal Hirachand Ambani Foundation owes MMRDA Rs 31 crore, Indian Newspaper Society Rs 105.26 crore, M/s Naman Hotels outstanding Rs 32 crore, Talim Research Foundation Rs 33 crore, Income Tax department Rs 1 crore, and Oriental Bank of Commerce Rs 25 crore. “The MMRDA officers have surrendered before the high and mighty defaulters thereby failing to recover its dues and further failing to perform their duties. The MMRDA should stop work at the defaulters projects and should revoke the Occupation Certificates to ensure the recovery of the dues, but sadly the defaulters in connivance of MMRDA officers are causing losses to the government treasury,” added Galgali.

MMRDA spokesperson Dilip Kawathkar said, “We have already sent the notices and appropriate action will be taken against these firms.”