MUMBAI: The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) is set to initiate 18 projects in Mumbai, including a 100-acre site in Andheri West near Gilbert Hill, under the state government’s newly launched slum cluster redevelopment scheme.
Projects will target clusters of at least 50 acres where over 51% of the area is occupied by slums, including those in coastal regulation zones I and II.
Under the scheme, redevelopment can include slums alongside non-slum areas, old and dilapidated buildings, tenant-occupied sites, vacant land unsuitable for construction, and selected private properties.
The Andheri site currently contains approximately 14,000 huts and several residential buildings. SRA has issued tenders for its redevelopment, with additional projects planned in Mankhurd, Govandi, Sion, Wadala, Vikhroli Park Site, Goregaon West, Kandivli West, and Borivli East. Tenders for these locations will follow once plot demarcations are complete.
SRA CEO Mahindra Kalyankar commented, “Redevelopment will be conducted in an integrated and sustainable approach to urban planning, enhancing civic facilities and improving quality of life. SRA will act as the nodal agency.”
Identified slum clusters must receive approval from a high-powered committee, which is yet to be formed and will be led by the additional chief secretary of housing before being forwarded to the state government.
The official stated, “Redevelopment work may be assigned to a government agency through a joint venture or a private developer via a tender. If a developer owns more than 40% of the total area of the clusters, implementation can proceed with state government approval, following the committee’s recommendation.” If central government land is involved, inclusion is possible subject to consent.
Upon receiving approvals, private landowners will be offered a developed plot with an equivalent floor space index valued at 50% of the total land value based on the town planning scheme. If they do not accept, the land will be acquired as per the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Redevelopment Act, 2013, with costs covered by the project developer.
