Mumbai’s redevelopment sector continues to encounter delays despite policy changes intended to simplify approvals, encourage self-redevelopment and improve project viability. Experts say shortcomings in governance, developer accountability, transparency and dispute resolution are preventing the city’s redevelopment drive from progressing at the desired pace.
With a large number of ageing buildings and limited land availability, redevelopment remains central to Mumbai’s housing transformation. However, industry observers believe reforms must be backed by effective implementation and stronger safeguards for residents.
Ramesh Prabhu, Chairman of the Maharashtra Societies Welfare Association, highlighted recurring governance concerns.
“Inspite of nearly three decade history of redevelopment which promises new homes, but it too often what it delivers is disputes. The governance failures recur. All three government resolutions and Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Rules 1961 has prescribed registrar presence in the meeting without any accountability or transparency or system to monitor or take corrective steps,” said Ramesh Prabhu, Chairman of Maharashtra Societies Welfare Association.
Prabhu called for developer selection through electronic tendering from government-approved and empanelled builders. He also advocated statutory penalties for undisclosed benefits, escrow compliance, bank guarantees, quarterly disclosures and independent audits. He said a dedicated redevelopment authority should handle disputes.
Housing expert and advocate Vinod Sampat also raised concerns about accountability.
“It is a open secret that there is lack of transparency in redevelopment matters. The government has made attempt to to increase transperancy and governence in latest circulars and notifications, but there is no aspect of accountability for builders taking up redevelopment project,” said housing expert advocate Vinod Sampat.
“The need of the day is justice is done to flat owners housing federations should file writ petitions and insist on transperancy and accountability from the builder,” Sampat added.
Prabhu stressed that residents must be able to examine and verify decisions taken during redevelopment to establish trust.
Meanwhile, Anuj Mehta, Director of Dhuleva Group, welcomed the policy changes.
“Recently introduced reforms related to redevelopment are accelerated initiative towards expediting urban transformation in Mumbai. The greater clarity, transparency, and streamlined processes attached to these reforms will enable the unlocking of the massive potential that Mumbai holds with respect to redevelopment and allow for the swifter execution of projects.
“The increased levels of transparency and better governance in housing societies will make this ecosystem even more effective by building trust and facilitating better cooperation between the residents, developers, and all other involved parties. The growing acceptance of self-redevelopment also proves that the aspirations of housing societies are changing and further underlines the changes happening in the field of redevelopment in Mumbai,” Mehta said.
Experts also emphasised upgrading sewage networks, water supply systems and firefighting infrastructure to support future high-rise development. They said consistent enforcement will determine whether the reforms deliver safer, more sustainable neighbourhoods.
Source: The Free Press Journal
