The Maharashtra government has announced a new survey to identify residential encroachments on government land in parts of Mumbai, Mumbai Suburban and Pune that were left out of the earlier regularisation process. Eligible residents identified through the exercise may be considered for rehabilitation under the state’s policy, which includes the provision of free 500-square-foot homes.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has instructed officials to examine encroachments that existed before January 1, 2011, and determine whether occupants meet the criteria for regularisation. A committee led by the Konkan Divisional Commissioner has been appointed to conduct the survey and submit its findings within six months.
The exercise will focus on areas in Mumbai and Pune where eligible occupants were not covered during the previous regularisation drive. After reviewing the committee’s report, the state government will decide whether these residents can be included under the existing rehabilitation framework.
Under Maharashtra’s earlier policy decision, residents occupying eligible residential structures built on government land before January 1, 2011, would not receive ownership rights over the encroached plots. Instead, those meeting the required conditions would be rehabilitated through free 500-square-foot housing units.
The latest survey is aimed at identifying additional beneficiaries who may qualify for the rehabilitation scheme. Officials will assess factors such as the age of the structure, eligibility of occupants and compliance with the conditions laid down under the government’s regularisation policy.
The move is expected to impact several densely populated settlements in Mumbai and Pune where residents have been living on government-owned land for decades. The government’s approach seeks to address long-standing housing concerns while ensuring that rehabilitation is carried out through a structured process.
Once the survey is completed, the committee’s recommendations will guide the state’s decision on extending benefits to previously excluded residents. The initiative forms part of Maharashtra’s broader efforts to provide secure housing solutions and streamline the management of residential settlements on government land.
Source: Mumbai Live
