The petitioners, led by Ketan Govind Jadhav and others, approached the High Court claiming irregularities in the provisional voters’ list published on January 31, 2026, by the Authorized Officer/Election Officer. They alleged that the society originally had only 23 members, but the list inflated the figure to 61, potentially allowing ineligible persons to participate in upcoming society elections or related decisions.

Chronological Sequence of Events

• Pre-January 2026: Disputes arose among members of Respondent No. 3 (the co-operative society, under SRA oversight in Pune/Pimpri-Chinchwad) regarding membership validity. Petitioners claimed the society was limited to 23 original members, while others argued for expanded membership, possibly tied to slum rehabilitation allotments or redevelopment processes common in SRA projects.
• January 31, 2026: The Authorized Officer published the provisional voters’ list for society elections. The accompanying notice explicitly provided a remedy — interested parties could file objections on or before February 9, 2026, to address any errors, inclusions, or exclusions.
• February 3, 2026: Instead of filing objections with the Authorized Officer, the petitioners directly filed Writ Petition No. 1914 of 2026 in the Bombay High Court, seeking to quash the provisional list. In their petition (Paragraph 7), they asserted no alternative or equally efficacious remedy existed.
• March 6, 2026: The matter came up for hearing before a Division Bench comprising Justices A.S. Gadkari and Kamal Khata. Advocates representing the parties — Mr. Sumant R. Deshpande for petitioners, Ms. Pooja Patil (AGP) for state respondents, Mr. Vishwanath Patil for Respondent Nos. 2 & 3 (society-related), and Mr. Deepak R. More for Respondent No. 4 — were heard.During arguments, the court queried why objections were not raised as per the notice. Petitioners’ counsel admitted no objections had been filed, nor had any defects been pointed out to the officer.The bench scrutinized sample membership forms but noted the membership count (23 vs. 61) was a disputed fact needing evidence from both sides, including legally admissible proof.
• March 6, 2026 (Order Pronounced): The court dismissed the petition, holding:
  • An alternative remedy existed via objections (rejected petitioners’ claim of no remedy).
  • Petitioners failed to exhaust it, rushing to court prematurely.
  • Core issues were factual disputes unsuitable for writ jurisdiction, as High Courts do not conduct mini-trials without evidence.
  • Other factual controversies in the petition also required full evidentiary adjudication.
  The provisional voters’ list thus remains intact for now.

Implications and Next Steps

The dismissal underscores judicial emphasis on due process in co-operative society elections under Maharashtra laws. Such disputes often arise in SRA-linked societies amid redevelopment stakes, where membership control influences project approvals, flat allotments, and funds.

Petitioners may still pursue remedies by approaching the Authorized Officer (if time permits), the Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies, or filing a civil suit/appropriate proceeding for detailed fact-finding. Society elections or related processes can proceed unless stayed elsewhere.

Legal experts note this aligns with settled law: writ petitions are not substitutes for statutory remedies or fact-based trials.

Also Read: Smart Home IQ: How AI is Enhancing Intelligent Recommendations for Homeowners

The post Dispute Over Society Membership Balloons from 23 to 61 – High Court Refuses to Intervene, Calls It Factual Matter Needing Evidence appeared first on Square Feat India.

The order, issued on 8 January 2026 (SRAEDIOW/118), reiterates and consolidates earlier directions under SRA Circular Nos. 209, 210 and 231, and comes in compliance with repeated observations of the Bombay High Court regarding misuse of sale components by developers and non-payment of transit rent to slum dwellers.

Why the order matters

SRA has observed that in several redevelopment projects, developers monetize sale flats early while transit rent liabilities, PAP (Project Affected Persons) and PTC (Project Tenant/Commercial) obligations remain unsecured, leading to hardship for eligible slum dwellers.

To address this, the Engineering Department has now been directed to ensure that sale components are frozen upfront, treated as security, and clearly disclosed to regulatory authorities.

Key directions under the new order

1. Mandatory freezing of sale flats at IOA / LOI stage

At the time of issuing:

• IOA or Amended IOA
• LOI or Revised LOI

the concerned Executive Engineer (EE) must:

• Calculate the developer’s transit rent liability for at least three years, considering:
  • Number of eligible slum dwellers
  • Monthly transit rent
  • Annual increment
• Based on this liability and Ready Reckoner valuation, identify specific sale flats or sale area, generally from lower floors, to be frozen as security.

The frozen flats must be:

• Clearly marked on approved plans
• Specifically mentioned as a condition in the IOA / LOI

2. Absolute restriction on sale, mortgage or transfer

Developers must submit a written undertaking/affidavit stating that frozen flats:

• Shall not be sold, transferred, mortgaged or encumbered
• Will remain frozen until:
  • Rehabilitation is completed
  • Permanent accommodation is allotted to all eligible slum dwellers
  • Entire transit rent and allied dues are fully paid

This obligation is in addition to existing requirements under SRA Circular No. 210.

3. Mandatory intimation to MAHARERA and Registration Authorities

In line with SRA Circular No. 209, SRA engineers must now formally communicate PAP, PTC and frozen-flat details to statutory authorities.

A certified copy of:

• Approved plans
• IOA / LOI
• Covering letter detailing:
  • PAP and PTC availability (wing-wise / building-wise)
  • List of frozen sale flats

must be forwarded to:

• Inspector General of Registration & Controller of Stamps, Maharashtra
• Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MAHARERA)

The communication must clearly state that:

The identified flats are frozen under SRA directions and cannot be registered, sold, or shown as free-sale inventory until written clearance is issued by SRA.

4. Defreezing only after full compliance

Defreezing of sale flats will be permitted strictly as per SRA Circular No. 231, and only after:

• Completion of rehabilitation
• Allotment of permanent accommodation
• Full payment of transit rent and allied dues

Even then:

• Approved plans must be amended
• Prior approval of the Deputy Chief Engineer, SRA is mandatory
• Fresh intimation must again be sent to Registration Authorities and MAHARERA

Applicability

The order applies to:

• All ongoing Slum Rehabilitation Schemes
• All future SR projects

SRA officials have been directed to maintain proper records of computation, freezing and regulatory communication, making non-compliance attributable to individual officers.

Why this is a game-changer

This order significantly curtails the long-standing practice where developers sell flats without securing slum dwellers’ entitlements. By linking sale permissions directly to transit rent security, and by placing MAHARERA and registration authorities on notice, SRA has created a strong enforcement mechanism.

For homebuyers, it also serves as a warning: sale flats shown without SRA clearance may be legally frozen, even if marketed.

Bottom line

No security for slum dwellers, no sale flats for developers.
With this order, SRA has sent a clear message that rehabilitation obligations take precedence over monetisation.

Also Read: Need for immediate changes to DC Rules: Hafeez Contractor

The post SRA Tightens Grip on Sale Flats: Mandatory Freezing at IOA Stage to Secure Transit Rent and Slum Dwellers’ Rights appeared first on Square Feat India.

The update comes in response to a query raised by government, who had written to the government seeking clarity on rehabilitation rights for first-floor occupants of pre-1976 chawls.

The SRA’s detailed response was addressed to Rajendra R. Desai, Under Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, and provides a rare official admission of a long-standing policy void that affects thousands of families living in old Mumbai chawls.

Key Government Clarifications

1. No Financial Burden on Government

The SRA stated unequivocally that the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme is a self-financing model.
This means:

• State Government will face no direct or indirect financial burden even if rehabilitation benefits are extended to first-floor tenants.
• Developers cross-subsidize rehabilitation through free-sale components.

This clarification answers the Finance Department’s concern about fiscal impact.

2. No Policy for First-Floor Chawl Residents — Hence No Redevelopment

One of the most crucial disclosures:

• There is currently no government policy for first-floor residents of authorized chawls existing on or before 1 January 1976.
• Because no policy exists:
  • No redevelopment of such chawls has ever been carried out under SRA
  • No eligibility surveys have been conducted

This revelation highlights a long-standing gap in Mumbai’s rehabilitation framework, potentially leaving first-floor tenants in limbo for decades.

3. No Budgetary Allocation Required

The SRA reiterated that since the scheme is self-funded, no budgetary provision is made for this category of rehabilitation.

Why This Matters

Mumbai has hundreds of pre-1976 chawls, many with first-floor residents who have lived there for generations. While ground-floor tenements are recognized as eligible for SRA rehabilitation based on the 1976 cutoff, first-floor occupants remain policy orphans.

This clarification confirms:

• These families receive no automatic protection or right to free rehabilitation units
• Developers cannot officially include them in rehab calculations
• Redevelopment proposals remain stalled or legally vulnerable

Stakeholders — especially in North Mumbai where former MP Gopal Shetty raised the issue — argue this creates discrimination between equally old residents of the same structure.

Next Steps: Government Must Frame a Policy

With the SRA formally stating the policy gap, pressure is expected to mount on the Housing Department to:

• Create a clear rehabilitation eligibility framework
• Conduct baseline surveys of first-floor chawls
• Enable stalled redevelopment proposals to proceed

Until then, thousands of first-floor chawl residents remain without clarity on their future in any redevelopment project.

Also Read: Bombay High Court Caps Construction at ‘The Imperial’ Tardeo, After Residents Object

The post SRA Confirms: No Policy Yet for First-Floor Tenants of Chawls; No Redevelopment or Surveys Conducted So Far appeared first on Square Feat India.

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:

1. Immediate completion of Annexure-II surveys for eligible first-floor tenements.
2. Preparation and submission of a comprehensive list of regularised chawls.
3. 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?

The post Maharashtra Govt Escalates Pressure on SRA: ‘Immediate Action’ Ordered on Chawl First-Floor Regularisation Ahead of BMC Polls appeared first on Square Feat India.

More than 50% of Mumbai’s population continues to live in slums or unstructured housing — a reality that defines both the city’s urban challenge and its development potential. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), established to transform this landscape, has now launched a technology-driven reform agenda aimed at fast-tracking redevelopment projects, improving transparency, and restoring confidence among developers and slum dwellers alike.

According to official estimates, Mumbai has more than 2,000 notified slum clusters spread across nearly 9,000 acres, with over 10 lakh slum structures. The scale and complexity of rehabilitation make this digital transformation a major step toward creating a slum-free Mumbai.

Tech-powered transformation of SRA

Under the leadership of Dr. Mahendra Kalyankar, CEO of SRA, the authority unveiled a series of digital initiatives designed to make project approvals faster, transparent, and data-secure.

Among the highlights:

• A Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC)-approved multilingual website, accessible in over 25 languages, for easier access to information.
• An integrated online module with multiple access layers for different users — officers, architects, developers, and the general public — ensuring accountability.
• Blockchain technology to store and secure approval records, making tampering nearly impossible.
• Chatbots and digital dashboards to help slum residents and developers track applications in real time.
• A goal to map every slum structure in Mumbai by end-2025, creating a unified digital database.

Dr. Kalyankar said his team is also implementing Auto-DCR (Digital Construction Permissions) and time-bound eviction programs to remove non-cooperative structures within 45 days. “We are driven by one mission — to make Mumbai slum-free through transparency, technology, and teamwork,” he said.

Developer bodies surprised by SRA’s digital strides

The meeting, attended by senior representatives from CREDAI-MCHI, NAREDCO, BDA, and PEATA, began as a request for “ease of doing business” but turned into what several termed “a pleasant surprise.”

Sukhraj Nahar, President, CREDAI-MCHI, said:

“My company had never ventured into slum rehabilitation projects before, largely because of doubts about their viability. But after today’s presentation, I have a completely different perspective. The level of digitisation and the positive, development-oriented approach of SRA have created the right environment for slum redevelopment to succeed.”

Rushi Mehta, Secretary, CREDAI-MCHI, called the data-integration plan “a game changer.”

“By collating Aadhaar, PAN, electoral rolls, and electricity bills under one software, SRA can now generate Annexure-2 approvals in a single click — a process that earlier took 6 to 9 months. Linking Aadhaar to each family’s permanent home ensures only genuine beneficiaries receive homes and prevents multiple claims,” he said.

Rajan Bandelkar, Vice Chairman, NAREDCO, praised the SRA’s proactive approach:

“Under Dr. Mahendra Kalyankar’s leadership, the SRA is setting a new benchmark in governance and efficiency. These advanced digital systems will accelerate project approvals and restore developers’ confidence in slum rehabilitation schemes. With renewed momentum and accountability, Mumbai can truly move toward a slum-free future.”

Abhay Chandak, Vice President, NAREDCO Maharashtra, commended the new SOPs that allow demolition of non-cooperative structures within 45 days.

“In Worli, around 1,000 illegal structures were cleared within a month — actual demolition in just three days. This shows SRA’s renewed determination to create an environment where developers can execute projects without obstruction,” he said.

Vikram Mehta, President, Builders’ Association of India (BDA), said that the reforms also tackle new encroachments:

“It’s equally important to stop new slum constructions as it is to rehabilitate existing ones. The new encroachment-tracking cell uses satellite data to detect and flag new structures for immediate action. That’s a huge leap forward.”

Why these reforms matter

• For slum residents: Faster, more transparent approvals mean quicker movement from unsafe informal settlements to formal homes. Linking data ensures fairness and prevents fraud.
• For developers: The new digital ecosystem cuts paperwork, increases predictability, and reduces risk — encouraging more developers to take up rehabilitation projects.
• For Mumbai: Clearing and rebuilding slum clusters will improve infrastructure, reduce disaster risk, and bring large swathes of urban land into productive use.

Dr. Kalyankar emphasized that the reforms are not just about technology but about trust.

“SRA 2.0 is about speed, transparency, and accountability. We want every slum dweller to feel that their home, dignity, and future are at the heart of what we do,” he said.

Toward a slum-free Mumbai

For years, the SRA has faced criticism over slow progress — only a fraction of approved schemes have reached completion. But with the integration of digital processes, real-time monitoring, and strict timelines, stakeholders believe this could mark a genuine turning point.

The collaboration between SRA and major real-estate bodies signals a shared intent to transform the slum landscape of Mumbai into a more equitable, sustainable, and efficient urban environment. As NAREDCO’s Rajan Bandelkar summed it up — “With this digital leap, we are not just building houses; we are rebuilding trust.”

Also Read: Financial Institutions To Redevelop Stuck SRA projects

The post SRA Unveils Technology-Driven Reforms to Accelerate Slum Rehabilitation Across Mumbai appeared first on Square Feat India.

Landowners Win Against SRA’s “Illegal” Land Acquisition

In a landmark judgment that could reshape how the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) handles redevelopment projects, the Bombay High Court has quashed the acquisition of a Bhandup property, ruling that the landowners’ preferential right to redevelop cannot be bypassed.

A division bench of Justice G.S. Kulkarni and Justice Aarti Sathe delivered the verdict on October 14, 2025, in Writ Petition Nos. 942 of 2024 and 1923 of 2019, holding that the SRA and State Government failed to follow the mandatory procedure under Section 13 of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971.

The Court declared the acquisition of the property — Survey No. 81 (part), CTS No. 270 (part), located at Bhandup Village Road, opposite Bhatia Hospital — illegal, arbitrary, and contrary to law.

Background: The Battle Over Bhandup Land

The dispute centered around 1,201 square yards of land at Bhandup, claimed by two parties — the heirs of late Malti Narayan Kakade, and the Tulsiram Devidayal Charity Trust.

Both parties, though in disagreement over ownership, united in challenging the SRA’s 2015 notification that acquired their land for a slum rehabilitation project proposed by Samata Seva Vikas Co-op. Housing Society and Sankalp Developers.

The landowners alleged that:

• No notice under Section 13(1) of the Slum Act was issued before acquisition.
• They were not given an opportunity to redevelop their own land, which is a legal right under the Act.
• The SRA bypassed due process by directly invoking Section 14 (acquisition powers).

The SRA, on the other hand, argued that all legal procedures were followed and that the landowners had delayed challenging the acquisition.

Court’s Findings: “Notice Under Section 13 Is a Sine Qua Non”

The bench categorically held that failure to issue notice under Section 13 — inviting the landowner to undertake redevelopment — renders any acquisition invalid.

The judges emphasized that the owner’s preferential right must be recognized before the SRA can acquire land for slum redevelopment.

Quoting previous case law, the Court observed:

“The issuance of a notice under Section 13 is a sine qua non for acquisition under Section 14. Without such notice, the entire process collapses.”

The Court reiterated that Article 300A of the Constitution protects private property rights, and authorities cannot deprive citizens of their land without following due process.

Legal Precedents That Strengthened the Case

The bench drew heavily from a series of earlier rulings that have now solidified the rights of landowners in slum redevelopment:

• Indian Cork Mills Pvt. Ltd. vs State of Maharashtra (2017): Held that the landowner must first be given a chance to redevelop before SRA takes over.
• Bishop John Rodrigues vs State of Maharashtra (2022): Confirmed that acquisition without notice to the owner violates natural justice.
• Saldanha Real Estate Pvt. Ltd. vs Bishop John Rodrigues (Supreme Court, 2024): The apex court upheld Bombay High Court’s view, ruling that Section 13 notice is mandatory, even after the 2018 amendment to the Slum Act.

The Court noted that these rulings establish a clear legal framework:

• The SRA must first invite the landowner to redevelop slum land within 120 days.
• Only if the owner fails or refuses to act can the SRA move to acquire the land.
• Skipping this step amounts to a violation of law and property rights.

Court’s Final Order

The High Court’s order reads:

“The acquisition of land in question is quashed and set aside, being arbitrary, illegal, and contrary to the law laid down in previous judgments.”

The Court further directed that:

• The SRA may issue a fresh notice to the petitioners, recognizing their preferential right to redevelop.
• Only after following due process can redevelopment proceedings resume.

This effectively restores control of the land to its lawful owners, subject to their compliance with redevelopment norms.

Impact: Major Boost for Landowners Across Mumbai

This judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for private landowners across Mumbai, particularly those whose properties have been acquired by the SRA without proper notice.

It reinforces the principle that:
Landowners have the first right to redevelop their land.
SRA must strictly follow Section 13 before acquiring any private property.
Illegal acquisitions can be quashed, even years later.

For hundreds of landowners and trusts in Mumbai — especially in Bhandup, Ghatkopar, Bandra, and Worli, where SRA acquisitions are common — this ruling offers much-needed legal relief.

Also Read: Financial Institutions To Redevelop Stuck SRA projects

The post 🏗️ Bombay High Court Quashes SRA Land Acquisition in Mumbai, Upholds Landowner’s Preferential Right for Redevelopment appeared first on Square Feat India.

Mumbai is home to numerous slums, many of which are located on BMC-owned land. “We want to be the Special Planning Authority for SRA projects on BMC land,” confirmed BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to SquareFeatIndia.

The BMC hopes that, as the SPA for its land, it can expedite the development process, ensuring faster project implementation. However, some experts have raised concerns that this move could undermine the role of the SRA in the city’s redevelopment efforts.

The proposal has been sent to the state government and will be discussed once the new government takes office.

Also Read: Need for Housing Stock Through PPP: BMC Commissioner

The post Exclusive: BMC Seeks Special Planning Authority Status for SRA Projects on Its Land appeared first on Square Feat India.

The re-election of the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra has sparked optimism in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, with industry leaders expecting a renewed focus on slum redevelopment and urban infrastructure transformation in Mumbai.

Rajiv Agrawal, Co-Founder of Saarathi Realtors, welcomed the stable government formation, emphasizing that the continued leadership would accelerate efforts to transform Mumbai into a “world-class” city. Mumbai, one of India’s fastest-growing urban centers, has long struggled with the challenges posed by its expansive slum areas. The re-elected government, Agrawal believes, will now be able to push forward ambitious redevelopment projects, improving housing and infrastructure across the city.

A Promising Future for Real Estate in Mumbai

Agrawal expressed confidence that the victory of the BJP-led government would have a direct positive impact on the real estate sector, which plays a pivotal role in both housing and economic development. “This sector not only provides housing and commercial spaces but also generates direct employment for lakhs of people and contributes significantly to the GDP. With the same government now in power, we anticipate smoother policy implementation, particularly in terms of taxes and development incentives,” Agrawal said.

One of the primary areas of focus for the government will be accelerating slum rehabilitation projects. With approximately 2,600 slum clusters scattered throughout the city—from Colaba in the south to Dahisar in the northwest—redeveloping these areas is seen as key to alleviating the city’s housing shortage. The state’s Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) is already overseeing over 1,700 ongoing rehabilitation projects, though many are stalled at various stages.

“Rehabilitation and redevelopment are crucial not only to improve the lives of Mumbai’s slum dwellers but also to unlock the city’s potential for modern infrastructure development,” Agrawal noted. “We expect the government to take decisive action, clearing bottlenecks and fast-tracking approvals, particularly for projects that have been delayed.”

Challenges and Opportunities in Slum Redevelopment

Despite the progress made since the SRA’s inception in 1995, more than half of Mumbai’s population still lives in slums. According to SRA data, over 500 slum rehabilitation projects are currently stuck, hindering the city’s redevelopment agenda. Agrawal emphasized the need for a more streamlined process to resolve these issues, calling for the formation of an arbitration committee comprising experts in slum clearance and redevelopment.

“The central government’s push for affordable housing, along with the state’s own ‘Housing for All’ initiative, needs the support of a dedicated committee to address the challenges unique to slum redevelopment,” he added. “Such an initiative would expedite the process and bring much-needed relief to both residents and developers.”

Looking to the Future: Economic Growth and Employment

As Mumbai embarks on its decades-long redevelopment journey, the economic and employment opportunities that will arise from these projects are significant. The real estate sector is expected to experience substantial growth, leading to increased job creation in construction, development, and related industries. Additionally, the redevelopment projects will contribute to the modernization of the city’s infrastructure, improving utilities, transportation, and public amenities.

Agrawal is confident that the continued efforts to clear slums and provide better housing will transform Mumbai into a more livable and sustainable urban center. “Mumbai’s growth trajectory looks promising, and with the government’s stable leadership, we are optimistic that the city will soon see transformative change that benefits both its residents and the broader economy,” he said.

As the government sets its sights on pushing Mumbai’s redevelopment projects forward, the real estate industry is watching closely, eager to see the long-awaited transformation take shape.

Also Read: In 150 Slum Redevelopment Projects tenants are waiting for rent worth ₹525 crore

The post Will BJP’s Continued Rule Accelerate Slum Redevelopment in Mumbai? appeared first on Square Feat India.

By Varun Singh

Mumbai and Slum redevelopment have a deep connection. It was a dream of many politicians to redevelop the slums of Mumbai and transform it into an international city. 
However, not most of these politicians could fulfill this dream, as many developers came forward to redevelop a slum, but would leave it midway.

Many financial institutions also got into financing several developers to redevelop these projects. But yet most of these projects got stuck. 

Now, SRA has come out with an amnesty scheme where it is allowing Financial institutions to carry out the redevelopment.

The scheme notice issued on May 31, is signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). 

The notice reads, “Whereas there are several Slum Rehabilitation Schemes stalled in Mumbai and Suburban Areas for several years and there is no progress at all. The State Government has time to time taken various decisions and granted concessions in order to motivate the Developers and Societies to take necessary steps for completion of these schemes. The demonetization, Covid-pandemic and overall slowdown of economy is one of the major factors/reason for such delay in implementation of schemes. Another major reason is non-availability of sufficient funds with the developers. The Government has considered all these aspects and taken the following decision.

AMNESTY SCHEME

It is noticed by Government that several financial institutions have granted finance to SlumRehabilitation Schemes and inspite of finance the concerned Developers have failed to complete the rehab component in the schemes and also failed to pay the transit rent to eligibleslum dwellers. Due to failure of Developers there is no progress in Slum Rehabilitation Schemes and the financial institutions are also sustaining huge losses. These Financial Institutions are not on record of Slum Rehabilitation Authority and due to it the Slum Rehabilitation Authority is not in position to allow such financial institutions to complete the Slum Rehabilitation Schemes though they are willing to complete the same. So considering the interest of slum dwellers at large in such Slum Rehabilitation Schemes as well as the financial institutions having recognition/approval of RBI, SEBI, NHB will be allowed to come forward for completion of schemes to which they have granted finance. The name of such financial institutions shall be entered in the Letter of Intent (LOl) of such a scheme as Co-developer/lender.

The applicable conditions to the schemes are mentioned in Government Resolution of HousingDepartment dated 25.05.2022 bearing No. -029/..934/ and the same is available on official website of Slum Rehabilitation Authority https://www.sra.aov.in/. 

Interested financial institutions are requested to submit their expression of interest to the Slum Rehabilitation Authority within a period of 45 days excluding the holidays i.e. from 07.06.2022 to 21.07.2022. Any proposal/expression of interest received thereafter shall not be entertained.

Also Read: Slum Dwellers not cooperating in Redevelopment will be removed by this Govt Body

The post Financial Institutions To Redevelop Stuck SRA projects appeared first on Square Feat India.

By Varun Singh

Slum Rehabilitation Authority on Monday came out with a circular allowing developers to carry out pre-monsoon work.

The subject of the circular is “Permission for pre-monsoon measures, incomplete foundation works, basement etc. which may cause danger to the adjoining building or cause flooding for Slum Rehabilitation schemes sites.”

The Chief Executive Officer (SRA) has given approval to complete pre-monsoon measures by strictly following the guidelines for containment of COVID-19. These permissions will be granted by concerned Executive Engineer (SRA).

The application for carrying out pre-monsoon measures shall be made by the Developer through Architect/ License Surveyor on Email id’s to respective Executive Engineer (SRA). The Email id’s of Executive Engineers are as listed on website of Slum Rehabilitation Authority.

All the correspondence regarding seeking permissions shall be carried out through official Email id’s of respective Executive Engineer (SRA) and permissions will be communicated to the concerns through emails.

Under SRA, the developers are allowed to demolish slums and construct buildings for them. These buildings are meant to provide the slum dwellers a better standard of living.

However, recently Ratan Tata took a dig on the entire slum redevelopment by developers. Tata had said, “Slums are the residue; we’re building a vertical slum. For the first time, the close proximity, low value structures that we have built are the cause of new problems. The last few months have taught us that we’re suffering from close proximity. We have the image we want to project of ourselves and there’s a part we want to hide. We have social responsibilities as architects and builders.”

Many top developers in the city are into slum redevelopment and from South of Mumbai to the suburbs there are thousands of projects that are being carried out under SRA.

The post SRA allows developers to take pre-monsoon measures appeared first on Square Feat India.