Corporator asks BMC to do away with permissions required for redevelopment of buildings around prisons
A letter from the local corporator was sent to BMC asking the corporation that it should do away with special permissions for the redevelopment of buildings near prisons. Rais Shaikh, Samajwadi corporator representing the Nagpada, Claire Road and other areas close to Byculla Prison, claims that more than 100 buildings in this area are suffering because redevelopment within 500 mts of the prison requires permission from a high-rise committee comprising of one prison official.
Residents from more than 100 buildings in the Nagpada area near Byculla Prison claim that they are forced to stay in dilapidated buildings. "Many developers are not interested in redeveloping our buildings once they learn about the permission needed from a special committee as it will lead to delays," said Bilal Ghozaria, who is the landlord of Ghozaria Manzil, an over 100-year-old building.
Shaikh said that he wrote to the BMC because there were many complaints from residents. There are some buildings which were constructed earlier and they are tall enough but now the old buildings that can be redeveloped are facing a tough time. "I am asking for the complete removal of seeking permission from the authorities if the building falls within 150 or 500 mts of a prison. The buildings are dilapidated and need urgent redevelopment but the residents are forced to stay in them. The government should think of these residents and take a decision on this."
Ghulam Nabi, a resident of Noor building, which is situated a few steps away from Byculla prison and undergoes repair work on a regular basis, said, "There was a meeting with all the stakeholders of the area recently. We don't want to suffer because we are near a prison. Repairs are fine but the building needs redevelopment and we should be allowed to do so. Landlords are ready but builders don't turn up because of the extended procedure."
IN THE WAY
- Redevelopment of buildings that are within 500 metres of a prison requires special permissions from a high-rise committee comprising of one prison official.
- Residents from the area claim that while developers are interested in redevelopment, the special permissions discourage them from taking up projects as it would lead to major delays.
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