MUMBAI: On Tuesday, the cabinet approved a redevelopment initiative for 4,973 flats across 498 plots in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Nagar, Andheri (West), executed by Mhada.
Officials revealed that this land was allocated in 1993 as part of a World Bank project, comprising 98 cooperative housing societies. It includes 24 plots with high-income group apartments, along with 62 plots of 60 sq m and 245 plots of 100 sq m.
“Mhada plans to redevelop the existing buildings following the BMC’s Development Control Rules (DCR). This community redevelopment will incorporate modern basic facilities, enabling residents to enjoy spacious homes. The comprehensive plan aims to include more green spaces, educational institutions, health facilities, and commercial areas in a township layout. Recreational amenities such as playgrounds, gymnasiums, swimming pools, auditoriums, and institutional offices will also be incorporated. Modern provisions for water supply, sewage, and electricity will be established, along with a green building design that emphasizes solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and waste management,” an official commented.
According to officials, Mhada will execute the redevelopment following models established in Bandra Reclamation and Adarsh Nagar, Worli. A high-level committee will be set up under the housing department secretary to expedite the collective redevelopment efforts in SVP Nagar.
SVP Nagar is a historic Mhada colony where low-income group (LIG) and middle-income group (MIG) homes were allocated via lottery in 1993 under the World Bank initiative. It encompasses 98 clusters of plots sized 25 sq m, 30 sq m, and 40 sq m, alongside 62 individual plots of 60 sq m or larger, and 245 individual plots of 100 sq m or larger.
From the 98 societies, seven have completed their redevelopment, and three are currently under construction. Six additional societies have signed development agreements, with Mhada now aiming to redevelop the remaining 82 housing societies that currently house 2,666 families. Although intended for affordable housing, the area also hosts numerous film production houses and a renowned private acting school.
In July, Mhada’s vice-president and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal contacted the state housing department regarding appointing a construction and development agency for SVP Nagar’s redevelopment. Jaiswal emphasized that the redevelopment should mirror the standards of Motilal Nagar 1, 2, and 3, Abhyudaya Nagar Kalachowki, Bandra Reclamation, and Adarsh Nagar Worli, in accordance with Regulation 33 (9) of the DCR.
The joint redevelopment will promote holistic area development by providing essential modern amenities such as playgrounds, entertainment facilities, gymnasiums, swimming pools, clubhouses, institutions, offices, and theaters. Jaiswal noted that many buildings and chawls in SVP Nagar are in disrepair and should be redeveloped to enhance residents’ living standards while providing larger housing units.
