Farmers protest against ‘Third Mumbai’ project

8 JUNE 2026

Social reformer and former judge B.G. Kolse Patil issued a strong warning against the “Third Mumbai” project under way in Raigad district of Maharashtra, declaring that it would be built “only over our dead bodies”.
At a farmers’ meeting, he asked attendees to take an oath to oppose the project.
The Third Mumbai project, or Karnala-Sai-Chirner (KSC) New Town, includes 124 villages and spans a land area of 323 sq. km.
The land is spread across Uran, Panvel, and Pen talukas in Raigad district, and strategically links to Mumbai via the Atal Setu Road.
Farmers are agitated over the compensation provisions made by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the authority managing the project.
According to the Government Resolution (GR) issued in March 2026, the landowners are to receive 22.5% developed land in return for the land sold or opt for compensation in the form of floor space index and transferable development rights.
Activist Ulka Mahajan criticised the government, saying the project ignores laws, democracy and constitutional norms. Samiti representative and farmer Rupesh Patil advised his peers not to fall prey to inducements that could ruin their homes. “If we sell today, we won’t be able to buy even half a gunta of land. Our land is no more farmland but has become a real estate hub.”