In a major push for urban redevelopment and improved living conditions, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) have announced plans to expedite 17 joint slum rehabilitation projects across Mumbai. The initiative is expected to generate approximately 25,000 housing units on Mhada-owned land, providing a significant boost to the city's affordable housing drive.
The joint effort will streamline the redevelopment process by coordinating on critical aspects such as slum dweller eligibility verification, securing administrative approvals, and managing the tendering process. Among these projects, the Malvani Malad redevelopment stands out as the largest, covering 14,000 slum dwellers.
Of the 17 projects, eight have already undergone actions under Section 13(2) of the Slum Rehabilitation Act, which resulted in the withdrawal of the original developers. These affected projects are spread across key areas, including 12 in Goregaon, two in Bandra, five in Kurla, and two in the Borivali-Dahisar region. Feasibility assessments for an additional five projects are underway, further underscoring the extensive scope of this initiative.
In a directive to accelerate the process, Mhada's Vice President and CEO, Sanjeev Jaiswal, has instructed officials to conduct a biometric survey of all residents on the project sites. This survey will help verify eligibility and ensure that ineligible slum dwellers are swiftly removed from the redevelopment rolls. Furthermore, for sites that currently lack proper access roads, both Mhada and SRA have committed to providing the necessary connectivity to support future development.
This coordinated approach by Mhada and SRA is anticipated to not only expedite the construction of new housing units but also enhance transparency and efficiency in the slum rehabilitation process. By addressing key administrative and infrastructural hurdles, the initiative aims to transform the lives of thousands of Mumbai's underprivileged residents and set a benchmark for future urban redevelopment projects in the state.