Maharashtra Accelerates Redevelopment of Unsafe Buildings in Mira-Bhayandar

The redevelopment efforts for unsafe and aging buildings in Mira-Bhayandar, Maharashtra, are gaining significant momentum. The local civic body plans to classify groups of at least five buildings, or plots meeting a specified minimum built-up area, as ‘mini clusters’ under the cluster redevelopment scheme. This initiative aims to address the urgent need for safe housing in densely populated areas.

Pratap Sarnaik, the Maharashtra Transport Minister, announced that the state urban development department has been instructed to expedite the revised proposal for this initiative to Eknath Shinde, the Deputy Chief Minister. Sarnaik made this statement during a review meeting at Mantralaya, which included key officials such as Asim Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development), and Radha Binod Sharma, the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Commissioner.

The proposed policy is designed for buildings over 30 years old that are deemed unsafe and are located in crowded neighborhoods. Many residents currently face challenges related to relocation due to the absence of temporary housing solutions. Officials emphasized that expanding the cluster model will allow for a phased approach to tackle these issues effectively.

Strengthening Housing Safety and Sustainability

This redevelopment strategy is modeled after the successful initiatives of the Thane Municipal Corporation. Buildings older than 30 years in the former gram panchayat areas will also be included. According to the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), these structures will receive incentives based on assessments of their existing built-up area, making them eligible for more than 6 Floor Space Index (FSI) under a performance-based formula.

Sarnaik stated that these measures will accelerate the redevelopment of unsafe structures while contributing to a broader vision of creating a slum-free, safe, and sustainable urban environment.

In a related development, the Maharashtra Cabinet recently approved a comprehensive policy for the collective redevelopment of Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) projects covering 20 acres or more in Mumbai and its suburbs. This decision, endorsed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to significantly increase the availability of affordable housing in the city.

The new policy aims to revitalize 56 colonies built over 60 years ago for low- and middle-income families, which currently house around 5,000 cooperative housing societies. Many of these buildings have fallen into disrepair, prompting the housing authority to propose redevelopment plans that include modern amenities such as lifts, gardens, playgrounds, gymnasiums, swimming pools, and enhanced security measures.

Under the revised guidelines, developers will not require consent from every resident to initiate redevelopment; however, approval from the respective housing societies will still be necessary. The Maharashtra Cabinet has also established a committee led by the additional chief secretary of the housing department to oversee the implementation of these ambitious redevelopment projects.

As Maharashtra continues to push forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on improving housing safety and enhancing living conditions for its residents.