The Maharashtra government is preparing changes to development rules for ageing industrial estates in Mira Bhayandar and other Mumbai suburbs, potentially allowing repairs, reconstruction and greater building heights to accommodate modern machinery, according to officials cited in a report published on September 5.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department Asim Kumar Gupta inspected industrial estates in Mira Bhayandar along with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and senior officials. The visit was undertaken to understand the condition of the industrial areas and the difficulties faced by local entrepreneurs, the report said.
Mira Bhayandar has had thousands of small and large steel-related industrial establishments operating since 1975. The city’s steel industry is known in India and overseas, but many premises have become difficult to maintain or modernise under existing rules.
One issue cited during the inspection was the changing relationship between industrial premises and surrounding roads. As road levels have risen over the years, several industrial units are now situated below the adjacent road level. Older factories are also being described as inadequate for the installation of newer machinery.
Modern industrial operations use hydraulic equipment requiring heights of between 15 and 17 feet, creating demand for taller industrial units. Rajendra Mittal, president of the Mira Bhayandar Stainless Steel Manufacturer and Traders Association, has sought permission for industrial premises to have a height of 24 feet at the rear and 20 feet at the front.
The proposed changes are intended to address the permissions required for repairs, reconstruction and height increases. Under the current framework, industrial operators have faced difficulties in adapting older premises to changing production requirements, according to the report.
Gupta said the government was positive about making the necessary changes to existing rules and preparing a new regulatory framework for the development of industrial areas. He said the inspection was conducted to understand conditions on the ground and the problems faced by entrepreneurs, after which further action would be taken.
The proposed framework could allow older industrial establishments to be repaired or reconstructed and provide the space required for modern machinery. Entrepreneurs have said that this could support the expansion of industrial activity and increase investment and employment opportunities in industrial estates in Mira Bhayandar and other Mumbai suburbs.
The report did not specify a notification date, the final contents of the proposed rules, the authorities responsible for granting permissions or whether the proposed height limits would apply uniformly across all industrial estates. Any changes will therefore depend on the government’s formal regulatory action following the inspection and review process.
