Efforts are underway to fast-track six cluster redevelopment projects of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) in Mumbai, state minister Shambhuraj Desai informed the council on Monday.
The minister said that with amendments to redevelopment regulations aimed at streamlining approvals and attracting private developers, 10 proposals have been approved in recent months, and one No Objection Certificate (NOC) has already been issued, reported PTI.
He added that six additional cluster redevelopment proposals are under active consideration, and the government is working to expedite processing and remove bottlenecks.
Desai assured that NOCs issued by the government include clear timelines for project commencement and completion, and that compliance will be closely monitored.
MHADA has also earmarked funds for repairs and redevelopment, with priority given to projects where developers and tenants submit comprehensive proposals eligible for fast-tracking, reported PTI.
Acknowledging concerns raised by assembly members over procedural delays due to documentation, succession verification, and statutory requirements, the minister said these issues would be addressed through meetings with senior officials, developers’ associations, and tenants’ representatives before final recommendations are presented.
Desai reiterated the government’s commitment to complete long-pending projects such as the Patra Chawl redevelopment, resolving resident grievances, including quality and handover issues, in consultation with stakeholders.
He noted that court processes and vested interests have contributed to delays but assured that the administration stands ready to facilitate allotment and rehabilitation in line with legal and technical mandates, reported the news agency.
MHADA to begin Goregaon`s Patra Chawl rehabilitation flat allotment after High Court`s nod
The long-delayed allotment of rehabilitation flats in the Patra Chawl redevelopment project will now move forward based on the directions of the high court, the Maharashtra government informed the Legislative Assembly last week.
The Bombay High Court, in March, permitted the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) to allot rehabilitation tenements to eligible tenants of the long-delayed Patra Chawl (Siddharth Nagar) redevelopment project in Goregaon. The MHADA took over the project in 2018.
Govt suspects ‘foul play’
Minister Shamburaj Desai claimed that after receiving a complaint from residents about the construction issue, experts from VJTI were roped in, and as per their suggestions, the necessary repair work was carried out, spending `270 crore. “But some people are deliberately trying to delay this project.”
Goregaon BJP MLA Vidya Thakur said the handing over of the flats to Patra chawl tenants has been delayed and claimed residents were not taking possession of their flats due to construction quality. Thakur urged the govt to address this issue, as some tenants are on hunger strike. Congress MLA Alsam Shaikh demanded an SIT inquiry.
(With PTI inputs)
