Redevelopment is often seen as a promise of better living conditions, modern amenities and renewed hope. From residing in old buildings and congested chawls to shifting to an upgraded flat seems like a dream to many. In order to make this dream come true, vacating temporarily isn’t a big deal. But after a point, it turns out to be a nightmare to many.
In Mumbai, many redevelopment projects have been stopped midway, leaving those families in a state of uncertainty and stress. It all begins as a government-approved initiative. With time there are lucrative deals with private developers, financial disputes and broken promises. There are instances where the developer agrees to pay the rents of the tenants, but a lot of the time, he backs off after paying the rent for a few months. The result? People are forced to live in cramped rental accommodations, often at their own expense, while waiting indefinitely for their promised homes.
Redevelopment is often seen as a promise of better living conditions, modern amenities and renewed hope. From residing in old buildings and congested chawls to shifting to an upgraded flat seems like a dream to many. In order to make this dream come true, vacating temporarily isn’t a big deal. But after a point, it turns out to be a nightmare to many.
In Mumbai, many redevelopment projects have been stopped midway, leaving those families in a state of uncertainty and stress. It all begins as a government-approved initiative. With time there are lucrative deals with private developers, financial disputes and broken promises. There are instances where the developer agrees to pay the rents of the tenants, but a lot of the time, he backs off after paying the rent for a few months. The result? People are forced to live in cramped rental accommodations, often at their own expense, while waiting indefinitely for their promised homes.
One such example is the redevelopment of Parvati Building, located in Bhuleshwar, South Mumbai, which commenced in 2013 but has encountered repeated delays. The original developer was responsible for providing temporary accommodation rent to tenants during construction. However, tenants alleged that the developer defaulted on rent payments exceeding Rs. 12 crores, causing financial hardship for many displaced residents. The issue gained legal traction when one of the affected tenants, Najaribai Jain, filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court in October, 2024.
Developers cite rising costs or bureaucratic hurdles. Authorities shift responsibility. Meanwhile, the affected citizens—elderly people, children, and entire families—are left with their lives in disarray and their hopes suspended.
Is it too much to ask for a home that was promised? I think it is high time to shift towards stricter regulations and safeguards. The penalty for delay should be mentioned in the agreement. Escrow accounts should be made mandatory to ensure that developers do not misuse the fund.
A home is more than just a physical structure—it is a space of belonging, security, and dignity. Failing to deliver on that promise is not merely a development failure; it is a human one. As we chase the vision of smart cities and urban modernisation, let us not forget the people who placed their trust in that very vision.
Developers cite rising costs or bureaucratic hurdles. Authorities shift responsibility. Meanwhile, the affected citizens—elderly people, children, and entire families—are left with their lives in disarray and their hopes suspended.
Is it too much to ask for a home that was promised? I think it is high time to shift towards stricter regulations and safeguards. The penalty for delay should be mentioned in the agreement. Escrow accounts should be made mandatory to ensure that developers do not misuse the fund.
A home is more than just a physical structure—it is a space of belonging, security, and dignity. Failing to deliver on that promise is not merely a development failure; it is a human one. As we chase the vision of smart cities and urban modernisation, let us not forget the people who placed their trust in that very vision.
