Balasaheb Thackeray Urban Welfare Mission Announced to Make Mumbai Slum-Free

Mumbai, March 2026 : Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced the Hinduh Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Urban Public Welfare Mission with the aim of making Mumbai a slum-free city. Alongside accelerating slum redevelopment, the government will also ensure that new slums are not created by using ‘Netram’ technology. Shinde said that this important mission, launched on the birth centenary year of Balasaheb Thackeray, is also a tribute to him.

The decision of the state government is expected to give a major boost to the slum redevelopment process in Mumbai and pave the way for citizens to get better-equipped and safer housing. Through this mission, Shinde expressed his determination to realise Balasaheb Thackeray’s vision of a slum-free Mumbai.

Boost to Cluster Redevelopment

Under this mission, clusters covering a minimum of 50 acres and having more than 51 percent slum area will be included. Slum redevelopment projects will be implemented mainly on large private, government, and semi-government lands under the Slum Cluster Redevelopment Scheme through the Slum Rehabilitation Authority. For this, slum areas will be measured and biometric surveys will be conducted. Agreements will then be signed with agencies such as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), MMRDA, and Mahapreet.

300 sq. ft. Housing Units

A key decision has been taken to provide larger housing units to slum dwellers. Earlier, houses of 180, 225, and 269 square feet were provided. Now, as per the current policy, 300 square feet flats will be allotted. Older projects will be upgraded and redeveloped accordingly.

No New Slums to Be Allowed

A major highlight of the campaign is the use of ‘Netram’ technology to prevent the creation of new slums. Through satellite data, GIS systems, and digital tools, authorities will monitor and stop new encroachments. High-resolution satellite images will be used to track any newly constructed slum structures.

Through the BISAG-N web portal, accurate slum-related data will be collected and shared with relevant authorities. A dedicated implementation cell has been set up by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority, while BMC, MHADA, and district collector offices have been directed to establish their own mechanisms.

Satellite images will be obtained every four months (three times a year) and analysed to ensure immediate action against new slums. Authorities have also been instructed to conduct physical inspections and remove illegal slum structures on both public and private lands.

Revision in Maintenance Charges

As taller buildings will now be constructed under redevelopment projects, the current maintenance charges have been found inadequate. The government has decided to revise these charges based on building height. Proposed charges are ₹1 lakh for buildings up to 70 metres, ₹2 lakh for buildings between 70 and 120 metres, and ₹3 lakh for buildings above 120 metres. Necessary amendments to the Development Control and Promotion Regulations 2034 are being processed.

This comprehensive mission aims not only to transform Mumbai’s housing landscape but also to ensure planned urban development with the help of advanced technology.