MUMBAI: Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai assured the state assembly on Monday that the government is dedicated to finalizing the long-stalled Patra Chawl redevelopment project. This comes as legislators voiced concerns regarding ongoing delays, incomplete work, and resident protests.
Located in Goregaon, the Siddharth Nagar area (formerly Patra Chawl) spans 47 acres and is home to 672 tenant families.
In 2008, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) awarded a redevelopment contract for the area to Guru Ashish Construction Pvt Ltd (GACPL), affiliated with the now-closed HDIL (Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd).
GACPL was tasked with constructing 672 flats for tenants and allocating a portion to MHADA, while retaining the freedom to sell the remaining land to private developers.
BJP’s Vidya Thakur raised this issue through a calling attention notice, sparking a debate among assembly members who pointed out that the matter has spanned nearly 18 years, affecting multiple generations.
Minister Desai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the project, facilitating housing handovers to eligible beneficiaries, and mentioned that all necessary documents have been processed. Officials are prepared to meet with stakeholders to address outstanding issues.
A probe will be initiated to investigate complaints regarding space and leaks.
The question was deferred at the request of Opposition members seeking further clarification.
Desai highlighted that some individuals have approached the Bombay High Court, contributing to procedural delays, and cited interference from local vested interests.
Construction contracts include a five-year defect liability period for civil works, while litigated or structural issues are covered under a ten-year liability as per the agreement. He assured that the government will uphold these agreements, resolve grievances, and complete the project transparently.
Opposition members characterized the project as a “classic case of corruption,” noting that although buildings have been constructed, many units remain unoccupied due to unfinished civil work, wiring, and lifts.
They criticized the government for not implementing the 2021 Triple-A agreement between MHADA, builders, and residents, demanding the creation of a detailed committee and an SIT inquiry for justice for affected beneficiaries.
Several MLAs called for a special meeting during the ongoing session to address the grievances of residents on hunger strike for four days and to ensure proper rehabilitation for displaced families.
Desai stated that whenever beneficiaries come forward to take possession, the government and relevant agencies are ready to assist. However, local resistance and disputes have sometimes hindered beneficiaries from moving into completed units.
