The Maharashtra Cabinet has recently approved a significant new policy aimed at providing flats to individuals affected by various developmental projects. This decision, crucial for urban development in Mumbai and surrounding regions, focuses on increasing the construction of flats for project-affected persons (PAPs) over the next 15 years. The policy outlines a comprehensive approach involving multiple urban development authorities and strategic use of government and salt pan lands.
Detailed Action Plan for Construction
As part of the new policy, key urban development bodies, including the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), have been directed to prepare detailed action plans. These plans are to ensure the construction of a sufficient number of flats for project-affected persons. The authorities are required to review the demand for such flats over the next 3 to 5 years and align their construction targets accordingly.
Utilization of Government and Salt Pan Land
A critical component of the policy is the strategic use of government land, including Mithagara (salt pan) land, and land under the jurisdiction of the central government, such as that belonging to the Mumbai Port Trust. The Urban Development Department has been tasked with facilitating the availability of these lands for the construction of flats. This move is expected to significantly boost the availability of land for housing, making the project more feasible and ensuring that the needs of PAPs are adequately met.
Transferable Development Rights (TDR) and Economic Viability
The policy also emphasizes the importance of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) in making the project economically viable. The generation and utilization of TDR will be enhanced under this policy to support the construction efforts. This measure is aimed at balancing the economic aspects of the project with the social responsibility of providing housing to affected persons.
To encourage developer participation, the policy includes incentives for developers who provide flats for PAPs by allowing the amalgamation of plans from various planning authorities. Developers will be permitted to adjust up to 50% of the premium from the units offered for sale. This adjustment is expected to incentivize developers to contribute more actively to the construction of PAP flats.
The Maharashtra Cabinet’s decision to approve this policy marks a significant step toward addressing the housing needs of project-affected persons in the state. By leveraging government land, optimizing the use of TDR, and providing incentives to developers, the policy aims to ensure that sufficient flats are constructed over the next 15 years. This initiative will not only help in the rehabilitation of affected persons but also contribute to the sustainable urban development of Mumbai and its surrounding areas.
