Residents of the BDD Chawls in Worli, N. M. Joshi Marg and Naigaon have received relief after the state government approved an increase in the monthly rent provided for temporary accommodation during redevelopment. The Housing Department has issued a government decision raising the monthly rental assistance from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000, with the revised amount coming into effect from August.
The rent hike follows repeated demands from residents who had pointed out that the earlier amount was inadequate considering the rising rental rates in areas such as Worli, N. M. Joshi Marg and Naigaon. The increase will benefit residents who have opted for rented accommodation while their buildings undergo redevelopment.
The redevelopment of BDD Chawls in Worli, N. M. Joshi Marg and Naigaon is being carried out through the Mumbai Board of MHADA. Under the project, more than 15,000 BDD residents are expected to be rehabilitated and provided with 500 sq. ft. homes. In the first phase of redevelopment, construction of rehabilitation buildings is progressing, and possession of completed houses is being handed over to eligible residents.
However, to accelerate the second phase of the project, existing buildings need to be vacated and residents temporarily shifted. The Mumbai Board currently has limited space in transit camps, with only around 2,500 accommodation units available, which is insufficient for large-scale relocation.
To address this challenge, residents were given the option of shifting to rented houses, for which MHADA’s Mumbai Board had been providing a monthly allowance of Rs 25,000. However, residents highlighted difficulties in finding suitable rental homes within this amount due to high property rates in these locations.
Following these concerns, the Mumbai Board had submitted a proposal to the Housing Department seeking an increase in rental assistance. The proposal has now been approved, allowing residents to receive Rs 30,000 per month.
The decision has been welcomed by the N. M. Joshi Marg BDD Redevelopment Committee, which stated that the revised rental support will help residents manage their temporary accommodation expenses more effectively.
Source: Loksatta
