Residents from Malad and Kandivali have voiced strong opposition after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reportedly stopped issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for redevelopment projects in areas falling within a 500-yard radius of defence lands. On Sunday, representatives from around 600 societies convened a joint meeting, gathering signatures from 80 societies to launch a campaign seeking government intervention. They have urged the Ministry of Defence to scrap the old 1967 defence gazette restricting construction.
According to residents, most buildings in the area are over 45 years old, with some already demolished due to being classified as C-1 (very dangerous, dilapidated). However, redevelopment efforts have been stalled because of the gazette, which requires permission from both the defence ministry and civic authorities for any construction within the 500-yard buffer. Similar issues were previously reported in Juhu, affecting around 200 societies. Malad and Kandivali host three defence land parcels impacting local redevelopment plans.
Atul Bhatkar, MLA from Kandivali, attended the meeting and assured residents of his support.
Residents highlighted the urgency of the situation:
Dilip Jain, Malad East plot owner, said, “In 2019, our building was demolished due to being in the C-1 category… But we can undergo redevelopment only if we get permission.”
Anand Alhat from Pushpa Park added, “The BMC is also not giving any NOC, nor giving any statements in writing. Our project is stuck. Residents and commercial shop owners are struggling.”
Sandeep Tamhane of Jay Shivam Society noted, “Our building was constructed in 1972. We have been struggling for many years due to being unable to undertake redevelopment.”
Nikhil Desai, Varun Valley Society, warned, “If we still fail to get permission, we will protest on the road and ask the local MLA and corporators to join us.”
Sandeep Talekar of Shanti Nagar Society emphasized the hardship of senior residents in climbing four floors and appealed for government support.
The residents’ collective push underscores growing frustration over stalled redevelopment and long-standing regulatory hurdles in Kandivali and Malad.
Source: Mid-day
