The Urban Development Department (UDD) of Maharashtra issued a notification on 15 October 2024, approving a modification to Regulation 33(20)(B) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034 for Greater Mumbai. This modification aims to facilitate the development of Affordable Housing (AH) and Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) projects on private plots or plots owned by authorities other than the government, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), or other appropriate authorities.
Background and Need for Modification
The notification follows a proposal submitted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), highlighting the urgent need for a substantial number of Project Affected Persons (PAP) tenements. These tenements are required for resettlement due to various infrastructure projects currently underway in Mumbai.
Since the implementation of the DCPR 2034, there have been very few proposals submitted under Regulation 33(20)(B), which deals with the development of affordable housing and resettlement projects on private plots. One key issue identified was the reluctance of PAPs to accept resettlement in locations far from their current residences. This has been a significant obstacle to meeting resettlement needs, especially for projects where the available land for PAP tenements is located in distant wards.
Key Provisions of the Modification
The modification to Regulation 33(20)(B) is designed to address these challenges by encouraging developers and landowners to build PAP tenements on their plots, ensuring that resettlement can occur within the same ward or in adjoining wards. This would not only increase the availability of affordable housing for PAPs but also make the resettlement process smoother, as affected residents can remain close to their existing communities.
The sanctioned modification includes the changes specified in the Schedule attached to the notification. The changes will take effect from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette.
MCGM’s Invitation for Suggestions and Objections
Prior to the UDD’s sanction, the MCGM had issued a notice on 14 March 2023, inviting suggestions and objections from the public regarding the proposed modification. The notice, published in the Official Gazette from 23 to 29 March 2023, outlined the modifications to Regulation 33(20)(B) and emphasized the need for additional PAP tenements to accommodate displaced persons due to infrastructure developments. The notice also clarified that the MCGM is the Planning Authority for the area under its jurisdiction, in accordance with the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning (MRTP) Act.
The MCGM’s proposal has now been formalized with the approval of the modification, ensuring a more efficient approach to developing affordable housing and resettlement projects, particularly in areas undergoing significant infrastructure changes.
Conclusion
This modification is a crucial step toward addressing the housing and resettlement challenges in Mumbai. By enabling the construction of PAP tenements closer to infrastructure projects, the Government aims to improve the quality of life for displaced residents while also ensuring that critical projects face fewer delays.
🌟 Discover Landmark Judgements and Orders! 🌟