For many residents of ageing Mumbai housing societies, redevelopment is expected to offer a fresh start. However, stalled projects can instead leave families without homes, rental support and clarity for years.
Jeevan Nagar Co-operative Housing Society in Mulund began redevelopment in 2010. The 27 two-storey buildings, housing more than 270 families across a five-acre plot, were to be replaced with two 38-storey towers offering larger homes and a clubhouse. The project was initially expected to be completed within four years.
However, approvals took nearly three years, and although construction began in 2013, the project soon stalled after the developer faced financial difficulties and defaulted on a loan. Residents eventually had to vacate as the buildings became unsafe. Despite a RERA complaint and termination notice, only around one-third of the project has been completed.
For former resident Sai Prakash (name changed), the property was an ancestral home. After leaving in 2021, he moved into rented accommodation with his wife and child, while money paid for additional space in the redeveloped project remains locked.
“Not only is my ancestral property gone, but I also cannot even afford a new home for my family,” he rues.
A similar situation has unfolded at Juhu Anamika Housing Society in JVPD Scheme. The building was demolished in 2010 with possession promised within 37 months. The first developer stopped construction and rental payments, followed by a dispute over additional FSI benefits.
A new developer came on board in 2020, offering increased carpet area, but construction was later affected by the Covid pandemic and restrictions imposed following the installation of a radar near a military transmitter station. Although subsequent relief on height restrictions was offered, construction has not resumed.
The prolonged uncertainty has taken a financial and emotional toll, particularly on elderly residents.
“Our surviving members are mostly senior citizens, many of whom have developed serious age-related health issues. Some have passed away with unfulfilled desires of coming back to their flats,” laments 64-year-old Nita Bhagwat (name changed on request).
The experiences underline a key risk of society redevelopment: residents can spend years without their original homes while depending on developers for rent and eventual possession.
With redevelopment projects often taking eight to 10 years, societies need strong agreements, financial safeguards, clear timelines and mechanisms to protect members if a developer fails to deliver.
Source: The Economic Times
