Mumbai: The redevelopment of cessed buildings identified as structurally unsafe within the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board continues to be a matter of serious concern. Out of the 13,091 such buildings, several are not fit for habitation and pose safety risks, particularly ahead of the monsoon.
MHADA has initiated structural inspections of these buildings and launched an awareness campaign to inform societies of the redevelopment framework now available under Section 79A of the MHADA Act. Circulars have been issued to the concerned housing societies as part of this effort.
Under Chapter 8 of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Act, 1976, the structural repair or redevelopment of old and dilapidated cessed buildings in the island city of Mumbai is the statutory responsibility of the Board.
Sanjeev Jaiswal, IAS, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of MHADA, had directed structural inspections of 500 cessed buildings earlier this year. Of the 555 buildings surveyed so far, structural reports have been received for 540.
Mr. Jaiswal stated that timely repair and redevelopment of buildings found unsafe through these inspections can help avoid potential structural failures and safeguard life and property. He has instructed that the audit process be expedited and completed for all 13,091 cessed buildings within a year.
Following an amendment to the MHADA Act, the Government of Maharashtra has implemented Section 79A, which introduces a time-bound process for the redevelopment of such buildings. As per the provision, the landlord is given six months to submit a redevelopment proposal along with the irrevocable consent of 51 per cent of the tenants or occupants.
If this is not done, the cooperative housing society formed by the residents may submit a proposal within the next six months with the required consent. If no proposal is submitted within the total timeframe, the Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board is empowered to acquire the building and land and undertake redevelopment directly.
All landlords, cooperative housing societies, and residents of old cessed buildings in south Mumbai are urged to take initiative and avail the FSI incentives available under Development Control Regulation 33(7) and 33(9). Societies have also been advised to contact the concerned Executive Engineers for further guidance.
