The Government of Maharashtra has released the draft of the Maharashtra State Housing Policy 2024, which addresses the evolving real estate landscape since the last policy was introduced in 2007. The new draft reflects significant changes in the state’s housing sector, particularly the implementation of the Development Control and Promotion Regulation (DCPR) 2034 and the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulation (UDCPR) 2020.
The new policy’s primary goal is to tackle the challenge of “Housing for All” and achieve a slum-free Maharashtra by focusing on housing solutions for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low-Income Groups (LIG), and Middle-Income Groups (MIG).
Key Objectives of the Draft Housing Policy 2024
The Maharashtra State Housing Policy 2024 aims to improve access to housing for all citizens by emphasizing affordable, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient housing solutions. It also highlights the importance of addressing urbanization challenges through both greenfield and brownfield development.
Greenfield development refers to the creation of new housing projects on undeveloped land, with a special focus on affordable housing. On the other hand, brownfield development encompasses redevelopment, slum rehabilitation, and the restoration of older areas to create new housing opportunities.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
The draft policy also outlines the existing legal and regulatory framework in Maharashtra, which includes the DCPR 2034 and UDCPR 2020 regulations. These regulations set guidelines for urban development, helping to standardize real estate projects across the state. The policy also refers to key housing sector institutions, such as MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority), SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority), CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation), and MahaRERA (Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority).
Challenges and Solutions
The policy identifies several challenges within Maharashtra’s housing sector, including land availability, the high cost of development, and the need for better infrastructure. To address these challenges, the draft policy focuses on greenfield development for affordable housing and brownfield development for slum rehabilitation and redevelopment.
Public Consultation
The Government of Maharashtra has invited suggestions and feedback from all stakeholders by October 3, 2024. This consultation process allows industry players, residents, and other interested parties to share their views on the proposed policy measures.
Conclusion
The draft Maharashtra State Housing Policy 2024 aims to modernize the state’s approach to urban housing by focusing on inclusivity, affordability, and sustainability. By addressing the needs of the EWS, LIG, and MIG segments, and promoting both greenfield and brownfield development, Maharashtra hopes to achieve its long-term goal of “Housing for All” and creating a slum-free state.