The state urban development department has passed the circular that no development will take place within 500 metres of the compound wall of a jail across the state.

There are more than 55 prisons across the state. According to a government circular, if it is necessary to carry out development, then a committee formed by the government has to approve the proposals which falls within 500 metres of the jail.

The urban development department (UDD) has formed three committees — one headed by the municipal commissioner and the two headed by a collector.

All the committees will have a police commissioner, superintendent of police, additional director general (prison), CEO of the municipality and chief of any nodal government agency as members.

The directives of the advisory committee will be binding on those who want to undertake any development within 500m of the prison wall.

“If they do not agree, they can approach the state home department. The home department and UDD officials will conducted a joint meeting and will take a final decision,” said the circular, a copy of which is with dna.

It also states that the state government will keep sending advisories to these committees if there are any changes.

Manukumar Srivastav, principal secretary of UDD was not available for comment.

Recently, construction work which was being carried near Taloja jail in Navi Mumbai was stopped by the Bombay High Court. It asked the superintendent of Taloja jail, revenue department and town planning authority Cidco to survey under-construction buildings within 500m of the jail within three weeks and submit a report to the government.

Anand Gupta, general secretary of Builders’ Association of India, criticised the state government for the circular.

“What about the existing buildings? Is the state government going to demolish them? Many people have bought Cidco plots near Taloja jail. Now, will the state government compensate the affected parties?” said Gupta.

He said the advisory committees is one more hurdle in the way of development. “We have to seek almost 58 NOCs and approvals and on each table, we have to grease the palms of officials,” said Gupta.

Another developer said that in rural areas people have to travel all the way to seek the collector’s approval. “It is nothing but harassment,” he added.

Court interventionRecently, construction work which was being carried near Taloja jail in Navi Mumbai was stopped by the Bombay High Court. It asked the superintendent of Taloja jail, revenue department and town planning authority Cidco to survey under-construction buildings within 500m of the jail within three weeks and submit a report to the government.