The state government has implemented Slum Redevelopment Authority (SRA) projects only on 5% of its plots in the last 15 years.
The state government has implemented Slum Redevelopment Authority (SRA) projects only on 5% of its plots in the last 15 years.
Most of the SRA projects are stuck in disputes among tenants or the builders, or mired in litigation. The Builders Association of India (BAI) has now submitted a scheme asking the government to redevelop these plots on its own, which can generate a housing stock of 3.70 lakh flats to be sold in the open market.
In a letter sent to chief minister Prithviraj Chavan and other ministers, BAI has suggested that the government should implement the slum rehabilitation scheme through its own authorities like MHADA, MMRDA and Cidco.
According to the body, the state government and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) own nearly 1,076 slum plots in the city and suburbs.
“Of the 2,000 plots occupied by slum dwellers, 1,076 are government and BMC-owned, housing 5.95 lakh families. If the government undertakes the redevelopment on its own, 3.70 lakh tenement of 430 sq ft carpet area could be generated, apart from the rehabilitation component. These tenements could be sold out to the MHADA applicants who did not find their names in the recent lottery,” said Anand Gupta, treasurer of BAI.
“The government can undertake the project without spending a penny as the earnest money from the applicant can be used as initial investment. The project can be implemented by appointing the commercial contractors enlisted by the government agencies,” added Gupta
He said that most of the SRA schemes are stuck due to the condition of consent of 70% tenants.
“The consent condition is not applicable when the government agencies implement the scheme and this will help in pushing the delayed project,” he said.
An official from the housing department said, “The government is looking at SRA schemes very cautiously of late due to allegations of irregularities by opposition leaders and social activist Medha Patkar. In such a scenario, it will be very difficult for the government to take the responsibility of redevelopment of the slums on its own,” he said.
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