Thane could introduce a mini-cluster scheme on plots measuring 2,500 square metres to help old cooperative housing societies undertake self-redevelopment, following a meeting between BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar and Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao. The proposal is modelled on a scheme implemented by the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation.
The plan is intended to assist housing societies that cannot proceed with redevelopment because they lack adequate land when assessed individually. According to the report, more than 30-year-old cooperative housing societies in Thane are waiting for redevelopment, but face difficulties linked to small plot sizes, insufficient floor space index, complex approval procedures and financial limitations.
The proposal focuses on bringing multiple smaller societies together for a common redevelopment project on a site of at least 2,500 square metres. Kelkar asked the municipal administration to consider implementing the scheme in Thane for eligible societies and official taxpayers, citing the Mira-Bhayandar model as a reference.
The issue is linked to the wider challenge of self-redevelopment in Mumbai Metropolitan Region cities, where older societies often own or occupy land that is too small to make an independent project financially and legally viable. While the state has introduced a self-redevelopment policy intended to allow residents to take the lead instead of depending entirely on private developers, the report says many societies continue to face difficulties because of weak implementation at the municipal level.
For residents, the proposed arrangement could allow societies that are unable to redevelop independently to combine their land and project requirements. A larger, consolidated site could make it easier to plan buildings and provide modern amenities, while reducing the limitations created by isolated small plots. However, the proposal would require the municipal corporation to establish the applicable eligibility conditions, approval process and implementation framework before societies can use it.
The report does not specify whether the Thane civic administration has accepted the proposal, approved a formal policy or announced a timeline for implementation. It records Kelkar’s request to Commissioner Rao and his view that a mini-cluster scheme could make redevelopment easier for smaller societies. The next step would be the municipal administration’s decision on whether and how to develop the proposal for Thane.
