Legislative Council Proceedings: Focus on Mumbai Redevelopment, Metro, and Slum Rehabilitation – Minister Shambhuraj Desai

Minister Shambhuraj Desai informed the Maharashtra Legislative Council that the process of demarcating Mumbai’s Koliwadas (traditional fishing villages) is in its final stages. A comprehensive housing policy is being developed for Gaothans (urban villages), Koliwadas, and tribal hamlets with a target of constructing 3.5 million homes.

The information was shared in response to a motion moved under Rule 260 by Member Pravin Darekar. Several members, including Adv. Anil Parab, Prasad Lad, Shrikant Bharatiya, Sanjay Khodke, Vikrant Patil, Amol Mitkari, Chitra Wagh, Amit Gorkhe, Shivajirao Garje, Sanjay Kenekar, and Sadabhau Khot, also participated in the discussion.

Minister Desai outlined progress on several major projects including comprehensive redevelopment of Mumbai, housing for mill workers, slum rehabilitation, chawl redevelopment, and Mumbai Metro projects.

He stated that under the mill workers’ housing scheme, the lottery for 13,161 homes has been completed in the first phase, and a plan for an additional 58,000 houses is in its final stage. Around 52 hectares of land in Thane have been reserved for mill worker housing.

Regarding chawl redevelopment, 556 houses in the Worli BDD Chawl project will soon be handed over. Projects at N.M. Joshi Marg and Worli are also gaining momentum. For the Dharavi redevelopment project, work has commenced on 259 hectares, of which 63 hectares have already been handed over.

Under slum rehabilitation, 2.18 lakh homes are being constructed through 228 projects. Survey work on slums located on central government land, including those in Dharavi, is nearing completion. The state continues to follow up with the Centre for No Objection Certificates (NOCs).

On the progress of the Mumbai Metro, Desai stated that out of a total of 647 km, 456 km of work has been completed and 153 km is operational. The line from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Navi Mumbai Airport is expected to begin soon.

In regard to police housing, 5,655 residences have been made available at 27 out of 56 identified locations. Additionally, 585 new quarters will be constructed through the redevelopment of dilapidated police buildings in Chandivali.

Desai warned that penal action will be taken against developers who abandon projects midway. He also mentioned a proposal to levy a fine of ₹500 per sq. meter for handing over possession without an occupancy certificate.

Concerning the rehabilitation of the government colony at Bandra East, Desai informed that a dedicated committee has been formed, which includes local MLAs Suhas Adivarekar, Kiran Pawaskar, Eshan Siddiqui, and Mahesh Parkar.