October 09, 2025: In a historic shift for Mumbai’s housing landscape, slum residents from Janta Nagar, Mandala, and Mankhurd have launched the city’s first Self-Redevelopment Project under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). The landmark initiative, led by veteran activist Medha Patkar and supported by the Maharashtra State Cooperative Housing and Apartment Federation, marks a new chapter in community-led urban renewal — where slum dwellers themselves act as developers.
Over 250 families, evicted during a demolition drive in 2006, are reclaiming their homes through collective action. “With a foundation rooted in self-help, cooperation, and democratic control, these residents have opted for a cooperative redevelopment model, completely cutting out private builders once the project is approved by SRA and the state government,” said Advocate Shreeprasad Parab, expert director of the Federation. “This reflects the true spirit of the cooperative movement — empowering people to take control of their own futures,” he added.
Unlike traditional SRA projects, which rely on private builders offering free housing in exchange for development rights, this model prioritises ownership, transparency, and affordability. “Self-redevelopment is the best solution; the cooperative movement is the path to make it happen. This model allows the poor to own their dream homes at an affordable cost, though not for free,” said Medha Patkar, who has long championed people-led housing reforms.
Under Pravin Darekar’s leadership, the state has established a dedicated authority to promote self-redevelopment. The Federation will guide communities through legal, financial, and technical processes. Advocate Parab also urged single-window clearances, legal templates, and green redevelopment incentives to scale the model statewide.
For the families of Janta Nagar, this project is more than a housing scheme — it is a symbol of dignity, ownership, and self-determination. “The slum dwellers of Mumbai have proven that with courage, cooperation, and collective spirit, they can lay the foundation for their own homes, without a builder’s cheque,” Parab said.
Source: Mid-day
