Japanese impressed by MMRDA rehab plan

MUMBAI: The World Bank may have been dissatisfied with the resettlement of project-affected people by the Maharashtra government under the ambitious MUTP project, but the state’s rehabilitation policy is receiving international attention.

MMRDA’s model of resettling 55,000 families coming in the way of infrastructure projects will be studied by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

JICA has been appointed as a consultant for the upcoming Mumbai-Delhi and Delhi-Howrah freight corridors. The Japanese Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) funds both rail lines.

Confirming this, Metropolitan Commissioner T Chandrashekhar told DNA, “It has been the world’s biggest resettlement job and I’m glad our effort has been recognised.”

Chandrashekhar admitted that the MMRDA had ideological differences with the World Bank, which have been laid to rest after the bank lifted its ban on funding the two major components of the MUTP.

Following an important exchange of notes to facilitate study of the project, the JICA is working on the techno-feasibility survey for the freight line. Japanese officials will follow the MMRDA rule book of identification, removal, and resettlement of thousands of families affected by the project.

Though critical of the World Bank’s daily monitoring, panel visits, and endless paperwork, which have delayed city projects, MMRDA officials admit that the entire process has been a learning experience. “We now have a solid blueprint for resettlement, which would facilitate long-term development of the city,” Chandrashekhar said.