MHADA pushes redevelopment of cessed island-city buildings

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has initiated a significant push to accelerate the redevelopment of cessed buildings in Mumbai’s island city. This initiative targets the 13,091 cessed buildings in the area, with MHADA reaching out to landlords and tenant associations to encourage them to submit redevelopment proposals.

Understanding Cessed Buildings

Cessed buildings are older structures that have been granted a form of occupancy by the government, typically in exchange for a nominal rent. Many of these buildings are in a state of disrepair, posing safety risks to residents. The redevelopment initiative aims to replace these dilapidated structures with modern housing, improving living conditions and enhancing the overall urban landscape.

New Guidelines for Redevelopment

Under the recently amended Section 79A of the MHADA Act, landowners are given the first opportunity to submit a redevelopment proposal. To do so, they must secure irrevocable consent from at least 51% of the tenants or residents. This proposal must be submitted within a six-month timeframe. If the landowner fails to act within this period, tenants, through their cooperative housing society, can step in to submit a proposal, also requiring the consent of 51% of residents.

MHADA’s Role and Support

If neither the landlords nor the tenants submit a proposal, MHADA retains the authority to acquire the property and land for redevelopment. This provision ensures that the redevelopment process can continue even if the initial parties are unable to reach an agreement. Additionally, MHADA is leveraging the additional floor space index (FSI) available under Regulations 33(7) and 33(9) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR)-2034, which will facilitate these redevelopment projects by allowing for more efficient use of land.

Progress and Future Plans

MHADA has already conducted structural audits for 555 cessed buildings and aims to complete inspections for the remaining buildings within the next year. This proactive approach not only identifies buildings that are in urgent need of redevelopment but also helps in planning future housing projects that can accommodate the growing population of Mumbai.

Practical Takeaway

This initiative by MHADA represents a crucial step towards improving housing conditions in Mumbai. For residents of cessed buildings, it is essential to stay informed about the redevelopment process and engage with landlords or tenant associations to ensure their voices are heard. The opportunity for tenants to propose redevelopment can empower them to take an active role in improving their living conditions.