The long-delayed redevelopment of ageing LIC-owned buildings in South Mumbai has received a fresh push after Mangal Prabhat Lodha met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, raising concerns about tenant safety and project delays. The move has brought renewed hope to nearly 10,000 residents living in dilapidated structures.
During the meeting, Lodha submitted a memorandum from the LIC Tenants and Occupants Welfare Association (LTOWA), highlighting the urgent need to accelerate redevelopment. The buildings, many nearly 90 years old, have been categorised as highly dangerous, with 25 LIC-owned cessed structures falling under the C1 category—unfit for habitation. While around 10,000 people reside in these buildings, nearly 45,000 pass through them daily, raising serious safety concerns, especially with the monsoon approaching.
The redevelopment process has been stalled for years, primarily due to delays in appointing Project Management Consultants (PMCs). Lodha, who has been pursuing the issue for four years, flagged the slow progress and the risks faced by residents. LTOWA secretary Ramesh Nirmal Jain also emphasised that despite tenders being floated, no tangible progress has been made on the ground.
“Lodha told us that the finance minister has given instructions to redevelop old buildings as per MHADA rules, and the C1 category (buildings unfit for habitation) should be taken up on priority,” Jain told HT. “LIC issued a tender to appoint a project management consultant in November 2025 for New Badamwadi on Lamington Road and for Angrewadi Chawl in Girgaon on March 13 but a PMC has not been appointed in either. In the monsoon, the condition of these buildings will deteriorate further.”
Tenants have also demanded interim housing, fair property valuation, and protection from eviction until redevelopment begins. While Lodha expressed confidence in swift action, residents remain cautious, with one noting, “We welcome the move, but there should be a gazetted notification on this.”
Source: Hindustan Times
