MHADA to redevelop at least 55 slums along the coast

In a joint venture by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), at least 55 slums on the coastline of Mumbai are geared up to undergo redevelopment.

Last week, Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad had stated that the government is set to introduce the housing policy in the coming two months of which this will be a part. “No slum-dweller will be displaced from their original location. Half of the area will be reserved for houses for them, and the other half will be used for sale at market rates,”

According to a report in the Hindu, of the new houses to be constructed, the government agency will have its share. “Having a house near the seashore is every Mumbaikar’s dream. Our attempt will be to make available such houses at affordable rates,” he said. The minister also cited the example of the Badhwar Park slum in south Mumbai which covers 32 acres. “This much of land is under slums. If it goes under redevelopment, half will be used to settle existing slum-dwellers and another half will be open for the market,”

He further stated, “MHADA has run out of money. As a minister, it is my responsibility to ensure MHADA becomes financially strong and the government gets revenue at a time when finances are hit due to the pandemic. Once the policy is finalised, I am sure, many investors will come forward,” adding that MHADA will soon undertake recruitment for 562 positions, of whom 150 will be engineers.

Furthermore, the minister had earlier announced that the redevelopment of BDD chawls in Mumbai would be inaugurated in a month’s time in Worli.