Jogeshwari Chembur Kurla slums set for reconstruction

The redevelopment of these three locations is part of a broader effort to improve housing conditions in Mumbai, where slums make up a significant portion of the urban landscape. MHADA has submitted proposals to redevelop slums in Jogeshwari (80 households), Chembur (117 households), and Kurla (110 households), with a total of 307 families benefiting from the scheme. The project will be executed under Regulation 33(10) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations 2034, which specifically deals with slum rehabilitation projects. Under this regulation, the SRA is responsible for conducting surveys, relocating slum dwellers, providing rental compensation, and overseeing demolitions, while MHADA will handle the reconstruction process and finance the entire project. The saleable portion of the new development will belong to MHADA, generating revenue that can be reinvested in further housing initiatives.Slum redevelopment is a crucial component of Mumbai’s urban renewal strategy. Several government agencies have been assigned similar projects across the city, aiming to address the severe shortage of affordable housing. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has taken up the redevelopment of the Ramabai Nagar slum in Ghatkopar East, while the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been assigned 77 slum schemes.

Other agencies involved in slum rehabilitation include the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). Together, these agencies are working towards the rehabilitation of approximately 2.2 lakh slum households spread across various parts of Mumbai.Despite these efforts, slum redevelopment in Mumbai has faced several challenges, including bureaucratic delays, legal disputes, and resistance from residents who fear displacement. The state government has identified slum rehabilitation as a key priority in its vision for Mumbai’s economic growth, considering that improved housing conditions can contribute to a more productive workforce and better quality of life. A recent urban development report emphasised that the resettlement of 2.2 million slum dwellers is necessary to transform the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a global economic hub. However, current redevelopment projects have only been able to resettle between 5,000 and 16,000 slum households per year, falling significantly short of the estimated requirement of 2.8 to 3 lakh households annually.To accelerate the redevelopment process, authorities are working on reducing bureaucratic hurdles and improving coordination between government agencies and private developers. The success of projects like those in Jogeshwari, Chembur, and Kurla will be crucial in setting a precedent for future slum rehabilitation efforts. Ensuring that slum dwellers receive fair compensation, adequate alternative housing, and necessary amenities will be essential in gaining public trust and avoiding conflicts.

The redevelopment of Mumbai’s slums is not just about constructing new buildings it is about creating a more inclusive and sustainable city. Improved housing will lead to better sanitation, access to essential services, and overall enhanced living standards for thousands of families. As Mumbai continues to expand, the need for efficient urban planning and housing solutions becomes even more critical. The transformation of slum areas into well planned residential spaces will play a major role in shaping the future of the city, making it a more liveable and equitable metropolis for all its residents.

Jogeshwari Chembur Kurla slums set for reconstruction