The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority MHADA has unveiled plans for the redevelopment of slums on its land in partnership with the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). This ambitious project, targeting slum pockets in Jogeshwari, Chembur, and Kurla, promises to reshape the city’s underdeveloped areas into eco-friendly, sustainable urban spaces. This initiative forms part of a broader push to address the city’s housing shortage, while aligning with the Maharashtra government’s goal of creating zero-net carbon, green, and equitable urban environments by 2030.
The redevelopment projects, set to benefit over 300 households across the three locations, will be carried out under Regulation 33(10) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations, 2034, specifically designed for slum rehabilitation. The SRA’s role involves conducting surveys, relocating slum dwellers, and providing them with rent allowances and post-dated cheques. MHADA, on the other hand, will oversee the actual construction, financing, and redevelopment work, with the sale proceeds exclusively benefiting the agency. This latest proposal is part of a larger commitment to rehabilitate 228 stalled slum schemes spread across Mumbai, spanning land owned by various government agencies. Slum redevelopment has emerged as a key strategy to tackle the housing crisis, and MHADA is taking a proactive approach, joining the ranks of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which has also been actively involved in rehabilitating Mumbai’s slum settlements.
The city’s slum population is a pressing concern, with an estimated 2.2 lakh households living in substandard conditions across these public lands. The redevelopment projects are not just about providing adequate housing but also addressing the wider socio-economic needs of residents. As part of the transformation, these slums will be reimagined with modern, sustainable, and energy-efficient infrastructure, contributing to the government’s long-term vision of making the Mumbai Metropolitan Region a global economic hub.
Among the projects already in motion, the Ramabai Nagar slums in Ghatkopar (East) have been identified for redevelopment under MMRDA’s leadership. Similarly, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), MMRDA, and other agencies are working to bring change to several pockets of the city. However, according to reports, while the ambition is clear, the pace of the redevelopment is far from sufficient to meet the rising demand for housing.
Recent findings indicate that the city needs to resettle at least 2.8 to 3 lakh slum households annually to meet its goal of rehabilitating all slum dwellers by 2030. Currently, the city has been able to resettle just a fraction of that number, highlighting the scale of the challenge that lies ahead.
In addition to addressing the housing shortage, these redevelopment projects also have the potential to transform Mumbai into a model of sustainability and inclusivity. The proposed redevelopment is in line with the state’s commitment to promoting green urban spaces, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring that development works for everyone, not just a privileged few. By incorporating elements of green infrastructure and eco-friendly building practices, Mhada’s efforts could play a key role in the city’s transition towards a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.
Mhada’s decision to finance and lead the redevelopment of these slum areas also reflects a new approach to urban planning that involves multiple stakeholders from the public and private sectors. By directly controlling the redevelopment process and allocating resources effectively, MHADA aims to create a model of sustainable urban transformation, with a focus on affordability, sustainability, and the welfare of residents. While Mumbai’s slum rehabilitation schemes are still in the early stages, the attention and efforts of agencies like MHADA provide a glimmer of hope for a city in dire need of a sustainable and inclusive housing solution. As the city marches towards its 2030 economic goals, the redevelopment of slums will continue to be one of the critical pillars supporting its ambitious transformation into a modern, equitable, and eco-friendly metropolis.
