Claiming that the move could increase Thane’s population fivefold, the opposition has alleged that the ruling parties and the TMC are planning to “sell the city” to developers

Published on: Aug 22, 2026, 08:09:20 IST

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THANE: The opposition has criticised the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for sanctioning a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 12 for its ambitious cluster development project, pointing out that civic officials and the ruling parties are merely out to make money. The civic body, however, is yet to finalise the plan.

Claiming that the move could increase Thane’s population fivefold, the opposition has alleged that the ruling parties and the TMC are planning to “sell the city” to developers.

The civic body formed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) — Thane Cluster Development and Area Improvement Company Limited (TCDAICL) — in partnership with MahaPreit, a state government undertaking which focuses on executing clean energy, emerging technologies and infrastructure projects for the economic uplift of backward sections, to construct and execute the project. The SPV was incorporated on October 17, 2024, in which MahaPreit holds a 74% equity stake and the TMC 26%.

Manoj Pradhan, president of NCP’s (SP) Thane unit, said, “The municipal commissioner admitted to the plan (of the FSI) during a meeting with group leaders. Cluster development with FSI 12 will encompass 3,000 acres in Thane to facilitate the redevelopment and rehabilitation of old and dilapidated structures. The proposed FSI could increase Thane’s population nearly fivefold when the city is already grappling with water shortage, congestion on roads, sanitation issues and other civic problems.”

“Land price in Thane is among the most expensive in the region. If an FSI of 12 is being granted, it essentially indicates that Thane is being put up for sale. The municipal commissioner should issue a white paper on this matter,” he added.

Former TMC Corporator, Adv Sanjay Pandurang Ghadigaonkar has urged the chief minister and the Thane district administration not to approve such large-scale development projects in Thane city without scientifically and legally assessing whether the city’s future population growth can be adequately supported by its existing and planned infrastructure.

“High FSI/ TDR does not merely mean increased construction, it also leads to higher population density and greater pressure on water supply, sewage systems, waste management, transportation, healthcare, fire safety and the environment,” Ghadigaonkar said. “Therefore, I have demanded that four assessments—Population Impact Assessment (PIA), Infrastructure Impact Assessment (IIA), Ecological Carrying Capacity Assessment (ECCA), and Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA)—be made mandatory before approving major development projects,” he added.

The pressure on water in Thane was addressed by the civic commissioner a few months ago during the at a general body meeting, admitting that Thane was facing a water shortage of 31 MLD (million litres per day).

When asked to comment about the pushback, deputy mayor Krishna Patil said: “I am not aware an FSI of 12 being officially declared for the cluster development project. In my opinion, an FSI of 12 is not feasible, as it is too high for a city like Thane.”

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