In a significant push for urban renewal, 19 large slum clusters across Mumbai are set to be redeveloped under a newly introduced state government scheme. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has already initiated plans for a major 100-acre project in Andheri West near Gilbert Hill, while 18 additional sites are in the pipeline.
The scheme targets clusters spanning at least 50 acres, where more than 51% of the land is occupied by slums. Notably, it allows for the inclusion of areas falling under Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) I and II. In a departure from earlier approaches, the plan enables integrated redevelopment by combining slums with adjacent non-slum properties, including old and dilapidated buildings, tenant-occupied structures, and certain private plots.
The Andheri site alone accommodates around 14,000 hutments along with several residential buildings. Tenders for this project have already been floated. Other proposed locations include Mankhurd, Govandi, Sion, Wadala, Vikhroli Park Site, Goregaon West, Kandivli West, and Borivli East, with tenders expected once plot demarcation is completed.
“Redevelopment will be done in an integrated and sustainable manner in terms of urban planning so that all civic facilities can be developed in a modern and scientific manner and the quality of life is improved. As per the provisions of the scheme, SRA shall be the nodal agency,” said SRA CEO Mahindra Kalyankar.
He added that identified clusters will require approval from a high-power committee, which will be led by the additional chief secretary (housing) and the state government.
“Redevelopment work will be given to a govt agency for implementation through a joint venture mode, or a private developer can be appointed through a tender process, or if a developer has an area exceeding 40% of the total area of such clusters, then the decision to implement the scheme through the developer can be taken with the prior approval of the state govt on the recommendation of the high-power committee,” the official said.
The scheme also outlines provisions for private landowners. They will be offered developed plots equivalent in floor space index, valued at 50% of total land value. “If private landowners reject the proposal, then the land will be acquired as per Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Redevelopment Act, 2013. The cost of land acquisition will be borne by the promoter/developer implementing the project,” the official said.
Source: The Times of India
