Mumbai Ends Slum Dwellers Consent For Cluster Redevelopment Projects Including Central Land

The Maharashtra government has introduced a significant policy shift to expedite slum redevelopment in Mumbai, aiming to advance its vision of a slum-free city. Under the new framework, individual slum-dwellers’ consent will no longer be required for the group redevelopment of slum clusters, allowing authorities and developers to implement large-scale projects more efficiently. The move is expected to streamline approvals and facilitate integrated, future-ready urban planning.

The government has designated the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) as the nodal agency responsible for implementing the cluster redevelopment schemes. The SRA will identify eligible slum cluster areas and secure approvals from the state housing department’s High-Power Committee (HPC). The policy also permits the inclusion of land owned by the central government, contingent on necessary permissions, marking a first in state-led urban redevelopment planning. According to the government resolution issued on 13 November, eligible clusters must cover a minimum contiguous land area of 50 acres, with more than 51% classified as slum areas. Projects already sanctioned under Regulation 33(10) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) can be integrated into these schemes. Non-slum structures, including industrial, commercial, and warehousing buildings, are also eligible for redevelopment, even if they fall under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations, provided rehabilitation norms are followed.

The policy addresses ongoing SRA projects by allowing phased redevelopment. Existing buildings with occupancy certificates may be retained, reconstructed, or demolished as part of the scheme. Rental compensation for displaced residents must be deposited with the SRA at each stage, ensuring social safeguards remain in place.Private developers can participate through public-private partnerships or open tendering processes. Firms holding more than 40% of the total cluster area may receive implementation preference, subject to HPC approval. Developers will also be responsible for obtaining development rights for existing multi-storey buildings in the cluster, facilitating coordinated redevelopment across both slum and non-slum plots.Urban planning experts note that the policy aligns with broader sustainable city goals by enabling high-density, mixed-use redevelopment while maintaining social equity. “Integrating slum areas with surrounding urban infrastructure, and including provisions for phased rehabilitation and compensation, is crucial for inclusive city growth,” an official said.

Critics argue that removing the requirement for individual consent may raise concerns about resident participation and transparency. However, government sources emphasise that structured oversight, regulatory safeguards, and phased implementation aim to balance efficiency with social equity.The new policy represents a pivotal step toward accelerating Mumbai’s slum transformation, providing a framework that allows large-scale, inclusive, and climate-aligned urban redevelopment while streamlining administrative procedures and enabling participation from both government and private entities.

Mumbai Ends Slum Dwellers Consent For Cluster Redevelopment Projects Including Central Land