SRA introduces reforms to expedite rehab projects

In a serious bid to expedite the construction of affordable homes for slum dwellers, the state Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has introduced two reforms. SRA has decided that developers of slum rehabilitation projects can now pay amount of fungible premium in instalments instead at one go. Besides, SRA will pay the amount of land measurement to the Revenue Department to avoid project delay and recover it later from the builder.

There are about 1,440 slum rehabilitation projects which are being approved for the last eight years. However, most of them are stranded due to lack of finance and procedural issues.

SRA Chief Executive Officer Deepak Kapoor told DNA: “For building below 70 metres, the developer initially can pay 33%; another 33% after a year, and 34% after two years. For buildings above 70 metres, the developer will have to initially pay 25% of the fungible premium, another 25% after a year, 25% after 24 months and 25% after 36 months.”’

With the deferment in the payment of fungible premium, the developer can pump in the amount in the project development, so that tenements can be constructed in a faster manner.

Kapoor informed that it was observed that the rehabilitation projects were getting delayed due to lack of payment of fee towards measurement of land carried out by the revenue department.

POLICE HELP FOR DEMOLITION

The state government may approve deployment of about 50 police personnel at the Slums Rehabilitation Authority on the lines of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation so that demolition can be carried out without any untoward incident.