The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly was informed on Monday that the state government remains committed to completing the long-pending redevelopment of Patra Chawl and resolving the difficulties faced by affected residents.
State minister Shambhuraj Desai said the Government of Maharashtra will ensure that the project is completed and that eligible beneficiaries receive possession of their homes.
Siddharth Nagar, widely known as Patra Chawl, is located in Goregaon and spans around 47 acres, accommodating approximately 672 tenant families. The redevelopment project was originally awarded in 2008 by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) to Guru Ashish Construction Pvt Ltd, a sister company of the now-defunct Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd.
As per the redevelopment plan, the developer was required to construct 672 flats for existing tenants along with additional units for MHADA. In return, the builder was permitted to undertake private development on the remaining land parcel.
The matter was raised in the Assembly through a calling attention notice by Vidya Thakur of the Bharatiya Janata Party, leading to a discussion where legislators pointed out that the redevelopment has remained unresolved for nearly 18 years.
Desai said that all relevant documentation has been processed and officials are prepared to hold meetings with stakeholders to resolve pending concerns. He also stated that complaints related to space constraints and water leakages in certain flats will be examined.
The minister noted that litigation in the Bombay High Court and interference by local vested interests have contributed to project delays. He added that civil construction contracts include a five-year defect liability period, while structural or litigated matters fall under a ten-year liability clause.
Opposition members, however, termed the redevelopment a “classic case of corruption”. They alleged that although several buildings have been constructed, many flats remain vacant due to incomplete civil works, unfinished electrical wiring and non-operational lifts.
They also criticised the government for not implementing the 2021 “Triple-A” agreement between MHADA, the developers and residents, and demanded the formation of a committee as well as a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.
Several legislators further called for a special meeting during the ongoing session to address grievances of residents who have been on hunger strike for four days and to ensure proper rehabilitation.
Desai said authorities are ready to facilitate possession whenever beneficiaries come forward, but in some cases local disputes and resistance have prevented residents from moving into completed units.
Source: Awaz (The Voice)
