In a stern directive dated 13 November 2024, the Urban Development Department of the Maharashtra Government has issued a final ultimatum to the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), demanding swift implementation of the long-pending policy to regularise first-floor structures in old chawls under the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme. The letter, marked for urgent compliance, underscores the government’s frustration over repeated delays and warns of accountability measures if the process isn’t accelerated without further ado.
The November missive, addressed to SRA’s Chief Executive Officer, reiterates the key Government Resolution (GR) dated 26 June 2024, which expanded eligibility to include first-floor residents of pre-1995 chawls—previously deemed unauthorised and excluded from rehabilitation benefits. Under this policy, affected families stand to receive rehab flats in newly developed buildings, aligning with the SRA’s mandate to provide secure housing to vulnerable urban communities. The letter explicitly calls for:
- Immediate completion of Annexure-II surveys for eligible first-floor tenements.
- Preparation and submission of a comprehensive list of regularised chawls.
- Issuance of Letters of Intent (LoIs) to kickstart redevelopment in affected areas.
“Despite clear directives over the past 17 months, progress remains negligible. This is unacceptable,” the letter states, directing SRA to furnish a detailed action plan within a week. It further mandates coordination with municipal bodies to avoid any procedural bottlenecks, emphasizing that resident welfare cannot be compromised.
This latest push marks the third major intervention from the state government since the policy’s announcement, following reminders in September 2024 and June 2025. Sources within the department reveal that the timing is no coincidence: With Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections slated for early 2026, the Mahayuti alliance is prioritizing visible deliverables in densely populated chawl clusters across suburbs like Malad, Goregaon, Jogeshwari, Andheri, and Ghatkopar. These areas house lakhs of voters who have long agitated for inclusion in SRA schemes, making the regularisation a high-stakes electoral plank.
BJP leader and former Malad corporator Vinod Mishra, who penned a supportive letter to SRA, hailed the move as a “game-changer for justice.” In his communication, Mishra urged the authority to prioritise surveys and approvals, noting that thousands of families have endured eviction threats for decades. “The government’s resolve today ensures no family on the first floor will be left behind,” he told reporters.
SRA officials, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the pressure but cited challenges like land disputes and developer hesitancy as hurdles.
If executed promptly, the policy could transform the lives of tens of thousands, fostering inclusive urban renewal in Mumbai’s historic chawl ecosystems. As the BMC polls loom, all eyes are on whether this administrative nudge translates into tangible homes—or remains another file in the bureaucracy’s backlog. The government has made it clear: Instant reply and action are non-negotiable.
Also Read: Will BJP’s Continued Rule Accelerate Slum Redevelopment in Mumbai?
