One of the most ambitious urban redevelopment initiatives ever seen in the bustling city of Mumbai would soon come into being in a couple of years as the Maharashtra government plans to go ahead with their proposals to redevelop 19 prominent clusters of slums in the city through an integrated redevelopment scheme.
According to the SRA chief executive officer, Mahindra Kalyankar, the purpose behind the execution of such schemes lies in ensuring that there occurs integrated and sustainable urban development through scientific urban planning. All projects will be executed by the SRA acting as the nodal agency. All redevelopment projects proposed under the new scheme will need to be approved by a high-powered committee, chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (Housing) and comprising other representatives of the state government. Identified clusters will then be approved by the said committee.
Multiple approaches can be adopted for implementation of the schemes. Projects will be executed by government organizations in joint venture mode or by private entities after issuance of tenders. Developers who own over 40 percent land area in any redevelopment zone can undertake such projects provided they receive necessary approvals and recommendations from the state government as well as the high-powered committee.
A 100-acre redeveloped project, currently being undertaken by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), is being carried out at Andheri West next to Gilbert Hill. Nearly 14,000 huts in addition to several existing residential buildings are to be redeveloped under this project for which tenders have been issued. As per the new scheme, redevelopment activities can take place in slum clusters covering a minimum 50 acres, at least 51 percent of the land of which should consist of slums. The flexibility offered by the scheme is that it allows inclusion of CRZ I & II areas in redevelopment planning.
In addition, it also permits the integration of slum with other non-slum areas, dilapidated buildings, old buildings, and tenant buildings. This is expected to result in effective land utilization. After successfully executing the redevelopment plan in Andheri West, SRA has plans to undertake similar redevelopment programs in other prominent parts of Mumbai such as Mankhurd, Govandi, Sion, Wadala, Vikhroli Park Site, Goregaon West, Kandivli West, and Borivli East.
There are also plans for those land owners who have private land holdings within redevelopment zones. They will get offers of developed plots worth half of the total land value having equivalent floor space index. But if this offer gets rejected, then land can be taken over under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Redevelopment Act, 2013. However, in such situations, the project promoter/developer will have to bear the cost of acquisition.
The redevelopment of 19 slum clusters is expected to boost Mumbai’s real estate sector by creating new development opportunities, improving infrastructure, and increasing housing supply. The initiative is likely to attract investment, enhance property values, and support the city’s long-term urban growth.
