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MHADA takes over SRA's project

Agency will construct houses for tribals and slum dwellers on a 90-acre land at Aarey Colony

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MHADA was originally supposed to construct only tribal families’ houses
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On Saturday, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) cancelled a proposal seeking selection of a consultant to conceptualise a township on a 90-acre land, where 1,795 tribal families from Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) were to live, alongside residents of 13,486 hutments from slums in Marol-Maroshi. But even as environment activists were expressing their joy, it's now been revealed that MHADA will construct houses for these families.

Tribal families are expected to receive row houses, while slum dwellers will get houses under the existing regulations. "We are yet to receive the land. We will construct row houses (ground plus one storey structures) for tribal families. MHADA was earlier roped in for the houses that belonged to tribal families, while SRA was to construct slum dwellers' apartments. We have now been given the mandate to rehabilitate both slum dwellers and tribals from SGNP," a senior MHADA official said.

The original notice had included a request for selection of a consultant for conceptualisation, preparation of tender documents, finalisation of technical specification and bid advisory services for development of the township.

But unlike SRA, MHADA doesn't plan to issue tenders, as it would instead involve architects from the government and other bodies involved in planning and layout. "Houses for tribal families will be designed by architects who work for MHADA and government bodies, so their design will be similar. We will also be designing buildings for slum dwellers, and will float tenders for construction as well, but at a later date," the official added.

Activists opposing construction on Aarey land claimed a victory. Zoru Bhatena, one such activist, said, "The government must have seen the uproar and decided people are opposing its move. SRA isn't allowed inside Aarey."

When asked about MHADA's plan to construct the properties, he said they will take a call on what needs to be done once MHADA floats a tender.

Repeated calls and a detailed message to SRA chief Deepak Kapoor, about why the tender was cancelled, were met with no response.

NEW AAREY HOMES

  • 1,795 tribal families from Sanjay Gandhi National Park will get row houses.
     
  • 13,486 hutments from slums in Marol-Maroshi will live alongside them. 
     
  • Both constructions will be built by MHADA, which will use architects from govt and other bodies.
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