Frustrated by bureaucratic delays and uncertain timelines, residents of 19 ageing buildings near Mumbai’s historic Elphinstone Bridge are preparing to submit their own redevelopment proposal to the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
Despite the state announcing a cluster redevelopment plan in April—following public outcry over the proposed demolition of the British-era bridge—residents say little progress has been made. “It’s been over a month without any official update. The MMRDA claims it’s awaiting a response from the Urban Development department and hence cannot move forward,” said Akshay Sutar, a resident of Lakshmi Niwas.
While residents remain in limbo, interest from private developers has grown. “Five developers have approached us, particularly for Haji Nurani and Lakshmi Niwas. One has even proposed cluster redevelopment of all 19 buildings,” said Munaf Thakur, secretary of Haji Nurani. A letter of intent from one developer has already been submitted.
Adding to the urgency, MHADA recently named Haji Nurani and Lakshmi Niwas in its list of 96 dilapidated structures. “Officials pasted the same eviction notice again, asking us to vacate within three months or explore redevelopment options,” said resident Rabiya Thakur. While MHADA has offered Rs 20,000 per month in rent compensation, locals are requesting relocation to vacant units in the nearby Priyadarshini Building instead.
As both Haji Nurani and Lakshmi Niwas qualify for self-redevelopment under MHADA Act Sections 79(A) and 79(B), residents are exploring this route. “Our building was declared an ‘enemy property’, but the legal dispute was resolved in 2013. Since then, we’ve maintained it ourselves,” added Munaf.
The 19 societies now plan to meet with the interested developer and jointly submit a proposal, hoping to finally take control of their long-stalled redevelopment journey.
Source: Mid-day
