Maharashtra government and Prasar Bharati SPV to develop Integrated Film and Television Media Hub in Mumbai

Mumbai: An Integrated Film and Television Media Hub will be established on 150 acres out of 278 acres of land owned by All India Radio (Prasar Bharati) at Malad.CM Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday approved a proposal to set up a special purpose vehicle jointly by the state government and Prasar Bharati for the purpose. A MoU was signed between Prasar Bharati, MIDC and Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation for the project.Out of the total 278 acres of Prasar Bharati land in Malad, about 150 acres are proposed for joint development with Film City. Since most of the AIR broadcasting is being shifted to FM system, the available space will be utilised for the expansion of the media and entertainment sector, said a government press release.The proposed media hub will include state-of-the-art film studios , sound stages ,hospitality , IT and ITES related facilities ,tourism development projects ; and international standard film and music training centers. For this, collaboration will be done with renowned educational institutions abroad.Fadnavis said currently No-Development Zone (NDZ) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules are applicable on this site so development is possible only on a limited area. “For complete development, necessary statutory permissions , changes in rules and amendments in the Development Control Regulations will have to be made. All necessary cooperation will be provided by the state government in this regard,” he said.The CM further instructed to appoint a consultancy firm to prepare a pre-feasibility study and action plan for the project and to form a joint working committee of officers of both institutions to expedite the Detailed Project Report and technical aspects. Fadnavis also directed that all components of the project and the development plan be finalised by June end.The meeting was attended by state cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi and senior officials from Film City and MIDC.