The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is accelerating six cluster redevelopment projects in Mumbai, with the state government working to streamline approvals and resolve delays, Housing Minister Shambhuraj Desai informed the Legislative Council.
Desai said that recent amendments to redevelopment regulations have helped simplify procedures and attract private developers. As a result, 10 project proposals have already been approved in recent months, while one No Objection Certificate (NOC) has been issued. He added that six additional proposals are currently under active consideration, with efforts underway to speed up clearances and remove procedural bottlenecks.
The minister emphasised that NOCs issued by the government will include clearly defined timelines for project commencement and completion, with strict monitoring to ensure compliance. MHADA has also allocated funds for repair and redevelopment, prioritising projects where developers and tenants have submitted complete proposals that qualify for fast-tracking.
Addressing concerns raised by legislators regarding delays caused by documentation requirements, succession verification and statutory approvals, Desai said these issues would be taken up through consultations with senior officials, developers’ bodies and tenant representatives before final decisions are made.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving long-pending redevelopment projects, including the Patra Chawl in Goregaon. The project, which was taken over by MHADA in 2018, is now set to move forward following approval from the Bombay High Court to allot rehabilitation flats to eligible residents.
Referring to concerns over construction quality, Desai said experts from Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute were engaged to assess the work, and necessary repairs were carried out at a cost of Rs 270 crore. “But some people are deliberately trying to delay this project.”
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Vidya Thakur raised concerns about delays in handing over flats, stating that some residents were reluctant to take possession due to quality issues. Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh called for an SIT inquiry into the matter.
Source: Mid-day
