MM: MHADA has shortlisted the structures, which it will redevelop in the next 10 years: June 02,2008

Rs 5,000 crore tonic for 5,000 decrepit bldgs

MHADA has shortlisted the structures, which it will redevelop in the next 10 years; the project will benefit over 1 lakh familes …………ALPITA MASURKAR

The Maharashtra Housing Area Development Authority (MHADA) has sought grants from the Central Government under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) for aiding it in its first of its kind re-development project for cessed buildings in the city.

The project outlays re-development of 5,000 cessed buildings at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore in a span of 10 years. The move will benefit over one lakh families living in these buildings that have outlived their age.

FIRST SUCH MHADA PROJECT

This is for the first time that MHADA has undertaken such a project. Previously, land owners and tenants would approach private parties and go for re-development. Also, there are other state government policies like the cluster re-development policy that has been undertaken in Public-Private Partnership (PPP). But this project will be one of its kind in which where MHADA will re-develop 5,000 cessed buildings across the city. For this, we have tabled a proposal before the central government and sought funds under JNNURM, said a MHADA official.

The total amount for this project will be raised from three sources: Rs 2,500 crore by the residents living in these buildings marked dangerous by MHADA; Rs 750 crore by the state government and for the remaining Rs 1,750 crore, the Mumbai Building Repairs and Re-construction Board of MHADA has applied to the central government.

SURVEY OF STRUCTURES

MHADA had undertaken survey of the dilapidated structures in Mumbai. The buildings that were considered very dangerous were served a notice and a board proclaiming that the building is dangerous was displayed outside. Under this project, we have shortlisted 5,000 buildings. The tenants will be served a vacation notice. They can either rent a house or take the accommodation in a MHADA transit camp till the building is re-developed. MHADA will complete this project in an estimated span of 10 years. For this project, the tenants can recommend a builder for re-development or MHADA will select one, said the official.

VACATION NOTICE TO RESIDENTS

MHADA has already begun sending vacation notices to the tenants and owners of such buildings. However, although the span allotted for completion of the project is 10 years, MHADA authorities expect major hurdles ahead.

We do not mind the re-development, but we hope that MHADA gives us an accommodation in a transit camp nearby. Our children study in schools in the area and we have set up our small businesses over here itself. We do not really want to go to some place in the far suburbs, said Munawar Umerbhai Mulla of a building in Samuel Street near Masjid railway station. The building is about 100 years old and its ceilings are supported by bamboo sticks to prevent them from collapsing.

At present, according to MHADA reports, there are over 16,000 buildings that have been identified as old and dilapidated. Out of these structures, the 5,000 identified as highly dangerous will be taken up for redevelopment. These buildings are 80 to 100 years old.

The ceiling of this 100-year-old building in Samuel Street near Masjid station, is supported by bamboo sticks to prevent it from collapsing

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