Sample flats reinstil people’s faith in MHADA

While the process to redevelop the 195 BDD chawls spread across Lower Parel, Naigaon and Worli began in 2004, the project was stuck for several years due to the lack of political will. It was only after 2014 that the project began moving on the ground and in February this year, the government released sample flats in Lower Parel and Naigaon for the residents to preview.

The sample flats have raised the confidence of the BDD chawl residents who are looking forward to move out of their cramped 160 sq ft rooms into the 500 sq ft 2BHK flats. Residents of the BDD chawls will be getting the biggest homes under any redevelopment scheme in the city so far. 

In Lower Parel, the number of chawls is 32, comprising of 2,560 tenants. In Naigaon, there are a total of 42 chawls, with 3,344 tenants. In Worli, there are 121 chawls with 9,689 tenants. This project will have the tallest 67-story tower.

According to Aniket Sakpal, one of the residents, the biometric surveys of the residents are yet to be finished after which the development will pick up speed.

A senior MHADA official said, “The response for the sample flats is overwhelming which shows that people trust us.”