SRA to acquire 407-acre land of 5 trusts, 3 companies

The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has once again given a shock to five big trusts and three private companies which avoided implementation of the SRA projects in the city. A senior officer in the SRA has informed Mumbai Live that the authorities have started the process to acquire 407-acre land owned by the said companies and trusts. Interestingly, SRA’s chief executive officer Vishwas Patil has also verified the information.

As per reports, the SRA has started the process of measurement of land which is in the possession of these trusts and companies. The process will be completed in next three to four months, informed the officer.

Such kind of a land acquirement is taking place for the first time in the history of SRA and this decision is considered as historic on its part.

The redevelopment of SRA projects on land owned by the F.E. Dinshaw Trust, Wadia Trust, G.G. Behramji Trust, V.K. Lal Trust and Mehmood Yusuf Khot Trust was pending for last many years. As land owners were avoiding redevelopment of SRA projects, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had directed the SRA officers to acquire their land. The SRA started completed the proceedings in last two and a half years and is now in the process to acquire this land. The land measurement process has been started and SRA has deposited amount of Rs 68 lakh with the concerned department. The proposal for land measurement is expected in next two months and a final hearing of land owners will be conducted accordingly, said the officer.

The residents of slums were devoid of their homes in the SRA projects and they have now heaved a sigh of relief after SRA’s decision to acquire this land. After acquiring this land, the redevelopment projects will be started again. The SRA is also considering the option of appointment of the contractor to complete these projects on the line of BDD chawl redevelopment. In case it happens, it will be the first such attempt in the history of SRA and a large number of affordable houses will be built under these projects.