Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday assured the assembly that the redevelopment of dangerous, old and dilapidated buildings in Mumbai will be expedited, and said meetings will be held with public representatives to remove obstacles in the process.
During a discussion on the issue, raised by MLA Amin Patel through a calling attention motion, Shinde explained that once the BMC or a competent authority declares a building unsafe, the owner is given six months to submit a redevelopment proposal.
If the owner fails to do so, the opportunity is passed to the housing society of occupants or tenants. If they also fail to submit a proposal within six months, the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB) is authorised to acquire the land and undertake redevelopment.
Under this process, the MBRRB has issued notices to 854 building owners, out of which 67 have submitted redevelopment proposals. So far, 30 owners have been granted no-objection certificates.
Responding to a calling attention motion by MLA Varun Sardesai regarding one particular stalled project in Khar (East), Shinde reiterated that the government prioritises residents’ interests.
The redevelopment of Golibar-Khar (East) project will be completed, the deputy CM said. The developer has committed to finishing the remaining 5,281 apartments by December 2029, he said. The government will ensure that the project is completed within the next five years as per the agreed schedule. If the developer fails to meet the deadlines, strict action will be taken, he added.
A joint meeting will be conducted to discuss issues related to slum rehabilitation projects, stalled redevelopment projects, and rental payments, Shinde said.
Housing Minister Shambhuraj Desai stated that parking facilities have been included in slum rehabilitation projects for eligible residents. The developer has already paid Rs 20.50 crore in rent to rehabilitated slum dwellers until February 2024 and deposited Rs 18.81 crore with the authority for 1,226 residents. The developer is legally bound to complete the project within the stipulated time, and any delays will result in strict penalties.
