September 3, 2025: The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has moved to replace developers in 33 slum redevelopment projects across Mumbai after they defaulted on rent payments to residents, according to reports by the Hindustan Times. The defaulting developers failed to pay amounts ranging from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 6.62 crore across 9,843 tenements, with the total outstanding sum reaching Rs 33.49 crore.
SRA officials stated that the payments have been pending for periods varying from six months to ten years. “We have initiated proceedings under Section 13(2) of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971, to remove the defaulting builders and appoint new developers so that stalled projects can move forward,” an SRA official said.
Under Section 13(2) of the Act, the Chief Executive Officer of the SRA has the authority to terminate a developer’s agreement if the developer breaches any approved plans, conditions, or specified timelines. The move ensures that residents’ rights and the timelines of redevelopment projects are protected.
The decision follows numerous complaints from slum residents who were promised redeveloped concrete homes in exchange for their land but faced prolonged delays in receiving the agreed benefits.
The 33 projects affected are spread across several Mumbai suburbs, including Kurla, Chembur, Mulund, Bhandup, Kandivali, Goregaon, Malad West, Jogeshwari East, Andheri East, Bandra East, and Khar. The SRA has emphasised that replacing defaulting developers is crucial to ensure timely delivery of housing and to maintain trust among slum dwellers awaiting redevelopment.
This decisive action by the SRA reflects a stronger regulatory approach aimed at holding developers accountable and accelerating stalled urban housing projects in India’s financial capital.
Source: Lokmat Times
