For nearly two decades, 24 families from Tilak Safalya Co-operative Housing Society in Chembur have battled uncertainty, legal disputes and financial strain to rebuild their homes on their own terms. What began in 2007 as a conventional redevelopment plan has evolved into a rare example of successful self-redevelopment driven entirely by residents. Drilling work for the new tower recently commenced, marking a major milestone.
The society had appointed a private developer in 2007 to redevelop its 200 sq ft MHADA tenements. The old structure was demolished in 2010, but reconstruction never began. After years of paying rent and facing hardship, residents pursued legal remedies from the Arbitral Tribunal to the Bombay High Court and ultimately the Supreme Court of India. In 2018, they regained redevelopment rights.
Choosing the self-redevelopment route, the society took full control of planning, approvals and financing, appointing architects, engineers and a reputed contractor. Construction is now underway. The project also integrates sustainability measures such as solar energy, rainwater harvesting, centralised air-conditioning and green building certification. Residents say it reflects Article 21’s right to a clean environment and Article 51A’s duty to protect nature under the Constitution of India. A sprinkler system has also been installed to control AQI levels at the site.
Residents shared their journey
Adv Selvam Rajan said, “We vacated our building in 2007, but the previous developer let us down. My two children and I struggled. I went into depression, paid high rent, and worried about their education. Yet, we stayed united. Today, standing on our own plot, we see a new home rising. After so many years of hardship, this self-redevelopment project gives us hope. Our new flats will be four times larger than the original 208 sq ft MHADA house.”
Shobha Shetty said, “After 19 years of legal battles and paying high rents, I am finally happy and satisfied. We faced many hardships, took loans, and sacrificed for our children’s future. Self-redevelopment has given us hope, a good home, and a fresh start.”
Pradeep Aapkar added, “It is only because of the unity and patience of the residents that we were able to wait for almost two decades, hoping to have a shelter of our own. Today, our hope has borne fruit through self-redevelopment, which has allowed us to be involved with the project from its inception to its completion.”
Source: Mid-day
