State to forgo housing stock in redeveloped smaller plots, increases FSI in larger ones
After pursuing the matter for six years, 56 Maharashtra Housing Area and Development Authority (MHADA) colonies were in for a cheer on Thursday as the state government decided to let go of its share of housing stock in case of the redevelopment of smaller plots, while increasing FSI in case of bigger plots on the payment of premium.
While the decision to take a share of housing stock from smaller plots was taken by the erstwhile Congress-NCP government, it has now been 'modified' by the present BJP-led state government. It has decided to let go of the share in case of smaller plots, and has decided to grant a minimum area of 35 sq m (376.73 sq ft), instead of the earlier 300 sq ft area, in case of redeveloped homes for the economically-weaker section.
However, in case of bigger plots, the government has increased FSI from 3 to 4, so that it can get low-cost housing stock for the 'affordable housing scheme'. A modification has been made in sections 33(5) and 37(1AA) of Development Control Regulation, 1991, to this effect.
Nitin Kareer, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development department, said that MHADA had sought changes in section 33(5), and the proposal was put up by the authority. "This proposal came to us through the housing department, and the modification in section 33(5) was carried out accordingly. The notification has been issued on Thursday," said Kareer.
MHADA CEO SS Zhende said that it was a good decision taken by the government in favour of the residents of MHADA colonies. "This clears the decks for the stalled redevelopment of old and dilapidated buildings built in the 1950s and 1960s. The decision will be a win-win for residents and MHADA colonies," said Zhende.
Vikas Bhagat, member of the federation fighting for the rights of residents, said they have been protesting aggressively over the past few months. "In a bid to intensify protests, residents of Khernagar MHADA colony have been on a hunger strike since December 26, 2016. With no response from the government, three residents — Kashinath Naik, Sanjay Kadam and Bharat Jain — resorted to fast unto death since the past four days," said Bhagat.
Last month, residents had taken out a protest rally from Khernagar signal to the MHADA head office in Bandra (East).
A jubilant Sandeep Shetty, member of the Federation, said that residents were happy that the government had finally accepted their demands. "Since the government had been demanding housing stock in smaller plots, it was becoming difficult for residents to part with their rightful share. The decision will boost the redevelopment of all stalled projects now," said Shetty.
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