Mumbai Pushes Redevelopment of 13,091 Unsafe Buildings

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has launched an extensive campaign targeting the redevelopment of 13,091 cessed buildings in Mumbai.

These structures, many dating back to the pre-1970s era, have been identified as hazardous, posing serious risks to residents, especially with the monsoon season on the horizon. The initiative underscores the state’s commitment to urban renewal, focusing on transforming dilapidated structures into safe, sustainable living spaces. By prioritising these redevelopments, MHADA aims to enhance the quality of life for thousands of Mumbaikars while aligning with broader goals of creating eco-friendly and equitable urban environments.

MHADA has intensified structural audits across the city, having already completed inspections for 540 out of 555 buildings surveyed. The authority plans to expedite the assessment process, aiming to complete audits for all 13,091 identified structures within a year. This proactive approach is crucial in preventing potential tragedies resulting from building collapses, a concern that becomes particularly acute during the rainy season. To streamline the redevelopment process, the state government has amended the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Act, 1976, introducing Section 79A. This provision sets clear timelines and responsibilities:

• Landowners are granted six months to submit a redevelopment proposal to MHADA, requiring the irrevocable consent of at least 51% of tenants or residents.

• If the owner fails to act, the tenants’ or residents’ cooperative housing society is given another six months to present a proposal with the same level of consent.

• Should both parties fail to initiate redevelopment, MHADA is empowered to acquire the building and land, undertaking the redevelopment independently.MHADA

This legislative framework is designed to overcome inertia and ensure timely action, safeguarding residents’ well-being. MHADA is actively encouraging stakeholders to participate in the redevelopment process by offering incentives under Development Control Regulations 33(7) and 33(9). These provisions allow for additional Floor Space Index (FSI), making redevelopment projects more viable for developers and beneficial for residents.

Furthermore, MHADA has reduced the Ready Reckoner (RR) charges for tenants seeking additional area in redeveloped buildings, lowering the rate from 110% to 100% of the RR value. This financial relief is expected to ease the burden on residents and expedite the transition to safer housing. In a bid to eliminate bureaucratic delays, MHADA has brought the approval process for redevelopment proposals under the Right to Service Act. Under this mandate, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for projects with the requisite 51% consent must be issued within six weeks. If the authority fails to respond within this timeframe, the NOC is deemed approved, providing certainty and momentum to redevelopment efforts.

Recognising the importance of community involvement, MHADA has initiated an awareness campaign to inform residents, landlords, and cooperative societies about the new provisions and benefits of redevelopment. Official notices are being distributed and displayed on buildings, urging stakeholders to take proactive steps towards redevelopment and avail themselves of the incentives offered. This comprehensive approach to redeveloping Mumbai’s cessed buildings is more than a safety measure; it’s a stride towards sustainable urban living. By replacing hazardous structures with modern, eco-friendly buildings, the initiative aims to reduce the city’s carbon footprint, promote energy efficiency, and create inclusive communities that cater to diverse socio-economic groups.

As Mumbai continues to evolve, MHADA’s campaign represents a critical effort to balance growth with safety, sustainability, and equity. Through legislative reforms, financial incentives, and community engagement, the city is poised to transform its housing landscape, ensuring a better quality of life for all its residents.

Mumbai Pushes Redevelopment of 13,091 Unsafe Buildings