Defence delays MHADA homes at Mankhurd-Mandale

For the people who were allotted MHADA houses in the Mankhurd-Mandale belt, the wait is far from over. That’s because the defence authority is yet to give permission to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to construct a road and lay down drinking water pipes for these houses.

MHADA, the state housing body, had conducted a lottery where 3,000 people were awarded houses in Mankhurd. The houses are ready. “But the land behind the houses, where the road and pipelines will need to be laid, is owned by the defence (Navy) authority. It is difficult to get defence permission,” said Devidas Kshirsagar, ward officer of M/East.

Construction activities are not permitted from 500sq m of the defence boundary wall. Kshirsagar said they are pursuing the matter to get the NOC from the defence authority.

“We are positive about it. Once we get the NOC, the road and water pipelines will be constructed,” he said.

However, the residents who were promised houses in Govandi are furious.

“Most of the people who won the lottery were allotted houses at various localities in the city. But those who got houses in the Mankhurd-Mandale belt have been kept waiting. I had planned to do a housewarming ceremony during Diwali and then the New Year. Both times, it didn’t happen,” said one resident on the condition of anonymity.

“I have borrowed huge sums from private money lenders. We are paying interest to them without getting the home. MHADA should clarify its stand so that we can return the money,” said another citizen.

MHADA officials however, claim that some of the things are beyond their control. “It is true that the Mankhurd project has been delayed. But without access to a road and water, it will be impossible to stay there even if we decide to give them possession. We are trying to sort out the matter,” said an official.