Self-redevelopment of housing societies is gaining traction across Maharashtra, with the model increasingly being discussed by municipal corporations, Maharashtra Housing Self/Redevelopment Authority chairman and BJP MLA Pravin Darekar said on Tuesday.
Darekar said the concept, which he introduced for middle-class housing societies through the Mumbai District Central Cooperative Bank (Mumbai Bank), has enabled several societies to explore redevelopment independently. The model is now receiving attention in other parts of the state, including Navi Mumbai.
Navi Mumbai Civic Body Discusses Self-Redevelopment
According to Darekar, the issue was recently raised in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, where corporators called for measures to encourage housing societies to undertake self-redevelopment.
“Seeing self-redevelopment being discussed in municipal corporations gives me satisfaction that every moment devoted to the scheme over the years has been worthwhile,” Darekar said.
He said he had taken note of the discussion surrounding the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), particularly demands for changes that could make self-redevelopment more viable for societies.
Study Group Recommends Policy Changes
Darekar said a study group constituted by him had examined various planning provisions and recommended policy changes aimed at supporting affordable housing while ensuring that additional development does not place excessive pressure on existing infrastructure.
The group also identified provisions under the UDCPR that could create difficulties for societies opting for self-redevelopment. Detailed recommendations have subsequently been submitted to the state government, he said.
Focus On Removing Policy Inconsistencies
Darekar pointed out that Maharashtra’s housing policy already promotes self-redevelopment and group self-redevelopment. However, he said certain differences remain between the housing policy and Development Control and Promotion Regulations.
The Maharashtra Housing Self/Redevelopment Authority is working to address these inconsistencies, he said. Darekar added that he would soon hold discussions with Navi Mumbai’s mayor, group leaders, corporators and municipal commissioner on the issue.
“A concrete alternative has already been suggested by the Darekar study group. There is now a need to take up the issue again at the government level,” he said.
Darekar said efforts would continue to expand the self-redevelopment model across Navi Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.
Source: The Free Press Journal
