Mumbai’s Mahul housing complex, often criticised over its environmental conditions, is set for a civic overhaul as the BMC prepares a master plan for the 3,800 project-affected persons (PAPs) still living there. The move aims to improve basic amenities, maintenance and security, but questions remain over whether civic upgrades can address concerns about pollution.
The Bombay High Court and National Green Tribunal have previously raised concerns about Mahul’s suitability for habitation. In 2019, the court directed the relocation of 5,400 PAP families, including those who continue to reside in the township.
Located near Chembur’s industrial belt, Mahul is surrounded by oil refineries, chemical plants, fertiliser units and storage facilities. Developed between 2006 and 2009 and subsequently expanded, the complex has 72 buildings with 17,205 tenements. At present, 53 buildings are occupied by around 3,800 families.
BMC Plans To Consolidate Occupancy
The BMC’s proposed master plan focuses on issues such as vacant homes, scattered occupancy, repairs, drainage, waste management, security and the delayed formation of cooperative housing societies.
Of the occupied buildings, 33 have more than half their flats vacant, while 20 have less than half vacant. The civic body plans to shift families from the more sparsely occupied buildings into the 20 buildings with higher occupancy.
“We will concentrate better amenities and maintenance services in these 20 buildings, which will become the primary residential blocks within the complex,” said Shankar Bhosale, assistant municipal commissioner, M-West Ward.
The BMC aims to complete the formation of housing societies in the 20 buildings by December. A consultant and community development officer will assist residents with the process.
Repairs And Security To Be Upgraded
One-time repairs will be undertaken before buildings are handed over to housing societies. The civic body also plans to establish a mini-ward office to address local grievances.
Security arrangements are proposed to be strengthened, with the BMC seeking a police beat office under RCF police station.
The civic body also plans a fresh assessment of air quality and intends to submit the findings to the Supreme Court, where the matter remains pending.
For some residents, improved amenities are still valuable. Purshottam Chavan, 32, who moved to Mahul after being displaced from a slum along the Tansa pipeline, said, “I now live in a cooperative housing society. I feel safer and more secure in this complex,” he said. “My monthly maintenance is just ₹350.”
Mohammed Hussain, 27, another PAP resident, said, “We have been here for a year. Living here is convenient for me as I run a real-estate business. There is a school here and we have been told a hospital is under construction,” he said.
Source: Hindustan Times
