Praful Satra, managing director, Satra Developers, answered some questions that have been raised about the project so far.
The luxurious Satra Hills project in Ghatkopar is planned on 29,000 sq metres of land that hitherto housed hundreds of low-income families in 18 clusters under the Ramnagar Residents’ Co-operative Federation. The blueprint outlines high-end apartments with swimming and gym facilities at an estimated cost of Rs275 crore. The plan includes accommodation for Ramnagar dwellers in five rehabilitation buildings. But some residents have raised objections to the manner in which the process has been conducted by the developer, through a few agents in the area and hardly any regulation by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority which is responsible for the project. Praful Satra, managing director, Satra Developers, answered some questions that have been raised about the project so far.
Why are there allegations of forgery?
Forgery is not possible. Of 2,000 people, just two have not signed and they think they can blackmail the builder (jayenge, milenge). Then one will say his queries have been answered and he will sign, but he will tell the other that he has not signed, and both will continue to fight. Why should anyone commit forgery when you are getting an official majority?
One man has found four different signatures on four different documents.
The society gives me the consent papers. I don’t know who the individuals are, and any way each of these signatures are attested before 10 or 11 people, not in front of me.
If you have done everything legally, let’s turn the question around. Why are many SRA projects in Mumbai being challenged in the high court on complaints of forgery?
Whatever consent we have, we got from the Ramnagar co-operative federation. We have also got the letter of intent, the commencement certificate, the environmental clearance, and we have been doing everything as per the rules. But there are two or three people who are misguiding others. One man, Sandeep Yeole, is telling people wrong things. We replied to his letters and asked him to come and discuss his problem.
Can you tell me about the role of Shankar Mahadik of the Nationalist Congress Party?
Like I said, there are 2,000 people who have been there for 70 years and 98% are legal. I am a builder, I have nothing to do with any political party. Internally slums are vote banks and all parties work here, whether it is NCP, Shiv Sena, Congress, MNS, BJP.
Why is Mangesh Khopde, who had a breakdown, protesting against the project?
There are some 20-30 people who are with this Sandeep Yeole. We have the transit camp ready. We are giving Rs7,000 rent and the cheque for 18 months is there. They want money unofficially and we have refused. This group wants to develop the whole society by themselves. Sometimes they want a 500 sq ft house, but we can go only by the SRA rules which is 269 sq ft.
You have different buildings for slum dwellers and different for free sale?
The first building I am making for the slum dwellers will have flowerbeds, balconies, a parking lot and a swimming pool. We are giving all amenities and people are trusting us. Those who are protesting will come eventually.
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