In a bid to expedite the completion of stagnating Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects across Mumbai, the Maharashtra state government has authorised the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and the City Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to intervene. This decision, announced by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a legislative council session, aims to address the longstanding issue of halted SRA developments in the city.
Fadnavis highlighted the unique challenges faced by SRA projects, emphasizing their market-driven nature where builders provide free housing to slum dwellers in exchange for profits from the saleable component. He underscored Mumbai’s acute land scarcity, making the saleable component economically viable here compared to other cities like Nagpur and Pune. Acknowledging grievances such as unpaid transit rents and delays in housing provisions, particularly affecting residents who may wait indefinitely for their promised homes, Fadnavis assured proactive steps. He disclosed recent policy discussions with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, paving the way for MHADA, MMRDA, BMC, and CIDCO, alongside private developers, to take over incomplete projects where developers have defaulted.
Moreover, Housing Minister Atul Save addressed concerns over the cumbersome NOC (No Objection Certificate) transfer process, notorious for alleged corruption. Save committed to streamlining this process by digitizing NOC applications, ensuring mandatory issuance within 45 days to minimize bureaucratic hurdles and curb malpractices. The initiative also promises to overhaul Mumbai’s dilapidated transit camps, with Minister Save pledging personal inspections to improve living conditions for affected residents. This strategic intervention by state agencies marks a significant effort to rejuvenate SRA projects, potentially alleviating housing crises and restoring faith in urban redevelopment initiatives across Mumbai.
