Maharashtra government bumps carpet area for SRA from 269 sqft to 322 sqft

To boost the slum redevelopment scheme, Maharashtra government has decided to increase the offered carpet area to 322 sqft from the earlier 269 sqft.

According to the state Housing minister Ravindra Waikar, 60 per cent of Mumbai's population lives in slums and giving them additional space will encourage them to come forward to opt for the scheme.

"Under the Prime Minister's Housing scheme (Awas Yojana), the government has promised to give 30 sqmt units, while in SRA, we were giving only 25 sqmt," said Waikar on Tuesday. "If we are going to adopt every rule and regulation of the Central government, such as GST, RERA, etc, then we should also increase unit sizes in line with Centre's scheme."

Waikar said he had been pursuing this matter with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for a long time. "In a recent meeting, the Chief Minister agreed to grant additional space," he said, adding. "A separate committee has been constituted to study how this increase in carpet area will affect SRA projects for which plans have already been submitted. This committee will submit its report in three months."

Most slum pockets in the city are located along the shoreline. "Geeta Nagar slum is spread across Colaba and Nariman Point, while there's a fishermen's colony in Mahim," said a senior government official. "This entire stretch will be redeveloped by builders as prime sea-facing property – it is a win-win situation for both the developer and slum dwellers, as the latter could use the extra space for their growing families."

Due to this decision, 60 per cent of Mumbai – which is locked in slums — will be redeveloped speedily, says a source from the Housing department. "Builders should undertake integrated development so that more open spaces and recreational facilities can be created along with the rehabilitation projects," said housing department officials.

The carpet carrot

• About 60 per cent of Mumbai’s population lives in slums. 
• Most of these slums are located along the city’s shoreline 
• Increasing unit size will encourage people to opt for SRA, speeding developement