November 12, 2025: Navi Mumbai is poised for a transformative approach to housing, with self-redevelopment emerging as a viable option without the involvement of private builders, said MLA Pravin Darekar, Chairman of the Maharashtra Housing Self/Group Redevelopment Authority. He made the remarks at a seminar on ‘Redevelopment and Self-Redevelopment’ organised by the Navi Mumbai Co-operative Housing Federation at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Hall, Sector 3, on Saturday.
Darekar emphasized that Navi Mumbai needs self-redevelopment even more than Mumbai, noting the city is home primarily to middle-class citizens, including mill and mathadi workers. “About 90–95% of Navi Mumbaikars are from the middle class. They are not living in luxury towers, and that’s why self-redevelopment can succeed here without any developer if residents take the initiative,” he said.
Highlighting the government-backed model, Darekar explained, “The concept of self-redevelopment was not being implemented earlier. I merely gave it shape and brought the developer-driven system into the hands of citizens through a government-backed model. With the support of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, we created a structured framework for self-redevelopment.”
He added that through Mumbai Bank, the initiative launched in Mumbai, supported by a loan policy, led to the successful completion of 2–3 projects, thanks to Fadnavis’ personal supervision. Reflecting on a major housing conference in Goregaon, Darekar noted that out of 18 demands presented to then Deputy CM Fadnavis, 16 were accepted, giving a strong push to the self-redevelopment scheme.
Darekar also praised CIDCO officials, stating that 90–95% have supported the scheme in Navi Mumbai. “The minutes of the recent meeting held at MHADA will be submitted to the state government, and a positive decision is expected soon for Navi Mumbaikars,” he added.
Urging housing societies to take the lead, he said, “Step by step, success will follow. When residents take charge of their own redevelopment, they gain both ownership and larger living spaces. The authority will extend full cooperation wherever required.”
The event also saw Darekar felicitated by the Navi Mumbai Co-operative Housing Federation, and he visited Paradise Society in Sanpada Sector 8, Navi Mumbai’s first self-redevelopment project currently under construction.
Source: The Free Press Journal
