The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has taken a significant step towards the redevelopment of the ageing Simplex Housing Colony in Ghansoli by issuing a notification for an Urban Renewal Plan (URP). The move marks progress in one of Navi Mumbai’s long-pending cluster redevelopment projects, which is expected to benefit around 3,500 families living in deteriorating buildings.
NMMC Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde issued the notification on July 14 under Regulation 14.8 of the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), proposing the Urban Renewal Plan for Cluster No. 4.
The proposed plan covers the Simplex Housing condominium located in Sector 7, Ghansoli, spread across 67,146.20 square metres. It includes multiple residential structures, including buildings C-1 to C-5, D-1 to D-5, E-1 to E-10, F-1 to F-10 and H-1 to H-4.
The notification follows a series of decisions by the Maharashtra government that enabled the redevelopment of ageing CIDCO-developed housing colonies under the Urban Renewal Scheme (URS). As part of the process, NMMC has invited suggestions and objections from citizens within a 30-day period before proceeding further with the redevelopment proposal.
“The proposed Urban Renewal Plan has been prepared with stakeholder participation in accordance with the provisions of the UDCPR and the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act. Citizens may examine the proposal and submit their suggestions during the stipulated period,” Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde said.
The Simplex Housing Colony was originally developed by CIDCO in 2004 to provide affordable housing for Mathadi workers from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. However, over the years, several buildings witnessed structural deterioration due to ageing and maintenance-related issues.
Structural assessments conducted by IIT Kharagpur, Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), the Konkan Divisional Commissioner’s office and the Public Works Department identified safety concerns. Following these reports, the NMMC Technical Committee and authorised structural engineers classified the buildings under the C-1 category, indicating dangerous structures.
Residents have raised concerns over cracked walls, falling slabs and damaged drainage systems, while delays in redevelopment approvals had earlier led to protests by Mathadi workers.
The proposed Urban Renewal Plan and related maps will be available for public review for 30 days at the Municipal Commissioner’s office, Town Planning Department and NMMC ward offices. The documents have also been uploaded on the civic body’s official website.
Source: The Free Press Journal
