The proposed cluster redevelopment of Mahim Koliwada triggered a detailed debate in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Tuesday, with members seeking clarity on the executing authority and regulatory framework.
BJP MLC Prasad Lad raised the matter through a calling attention motion, highlighting the redevelopment of buildings 1 to 20 in Machchimar Colony, 1 to 25 in the police housing quarters, along with four privately owned structures. He urged that the project be implemented on the lines of the BDD chawl redevelopment model to ensure a comprehensive and uniform approach.
Responding to the discussion, Mining Minister Shambhuraj Desai stated that the cluster redevelopment would be undertaken by one of the government agencies — either Mhada, MMRDA, MSRDC or the PSU arm Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology (MahaPreit).
BJP MLC Pravin Darekar, who heads the government’s self-redevelopment committee, questioned the feasibility of assigning the project to MahaPreit, noting that the entity lacks adequate financial resources. He advocated for encouraging self-redevelopment instead.
Shiv Sena (UBT) member Anil Parab pointed out the complex location of Machchimar Colony, which borders a slum on one side and a private plot on the other. “Under which regulation will cluster redevelopment be carried out?” he asked.
Another Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator, Sachin Ahir, sought clarification on whether the previously issued letter of intent for the redevelopment would be revoked.
In reply, Desai said a meeting would be convened with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to deliberate on the redevelopment framework and take a final decision.
The discussion underscored competing approaches to redevelopment, including government-led execution and self-redevelopment, as well as concerns over regulatory clarity and financial viability.
Source: The Times of India
