MHADA favouring developer in redevelopment?

A member of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority’s (MHADA) Mumbai board has alleged that the redevelopment of Sarvodaya Nagar housing society in Majaswadi (Jogeshwari East) is plagued by malpractices.

Allwyn Das, an NCP member, said: “I was shocked to see that MHADA gave the developer an offer letter even before the society members could get the conveyance deed done. Moreover, the BMC has given the developer an IOD [intention of disapproval], though the authority had not submitted a no-objection certificate,” Das told DNA.

Sarvodaya society comprises 19 buildings, with approximately 579 families residing at present. Its total area is approximately 37,000 sq m.

Bhaskar Rao, a resident, said: “It was decided in 2008 that the society should opt for redevelopment. Its members selected a developer without following any tendering process,” alleged Rao.

Das said that the developer, JP Infrastructure, has failed to deposit the required amount with MHADA. “It was to deposit Rs61 crore but has deposited only Rs10 crore. Moreover, it signed joint venture agreements with two other developers. How could it go on with the process if the paperwork is not done? Why is MHADA indulging in such favouritism when there are several proposals [approximately 133] pending for approval?” said Das.

Mumbai board chairman Amarjit Manhas said the offer letter was given by the authority and had nothing to do with the board.

“The residents had approached me with the alleged irregularity. I have forwarded their complaint to the board’s chief officer and have asked him to look into the allegations,” said Manhas.