Maharashtra Allocates 180 Acres in Madh Island for Dharavi Redevelopment
The Maharashtra government is set to allocate around 180 acres of land in Madh Island, near Malad (West), to support the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), led by the Adani Group. This initiative includes affordable housing and infrastructure improvemen
MaharashtraDharavi RedevelopmentMadh IslandReal EstateAffordable HousingReal Estate MaharashtraOct 14, 2024
This allocation forms a broader plan where 100 acres are reserved for the housing department, and 80 acres will remain under the revenue department. The land for the MLA housing society was initially proposed for Versova, but due to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) restrictions, the project has been shifted to Madh Island.
Madh Island is currently a No-Development Zone (NDZ), with strict regulations on construction due to environmental concerns. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has recently granted permissions for some development, including IT parks. The focus on constructing affordable rental housing for Dharavi residents is a key aspect of this project. The Mumbai Coastal Road expansion reaching Versova is expected to boost real estate development in the region. Currently, real estate prices in Madh Island range between INR 2,000 and INR 2,600 per square foot, but these can drop by 40% in CRZ zones, bringing them closer to INR 1,000 per square foot.
In a related decision, the state has approved the acquisition of 255 acres of salt-pan land in Kanjurmarg and Mulund for rental housing under the DRP. This land will be used to build affordable homes for those displaced by urban development projects. Additional land parcels, including the now-defunct Deonar dumping ground, are also being considered for the housing initiative.
The political fallout from these decisions has been significant. Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad, have accused the government of using the Dharavi redevelopment as a means to transfer valuable land to private corporations, particularly the Adani Group. They label these land transfers as a 'land grab' designed to serve corporate interests under the guise of public welfare.
Additionally, the Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has cleared land for the construction of homes for state government employees in the Bandra East government colony. Built in 1959, the colony houses over 4,700 flats for various government employees. However, approximately 35 acres of the original 125-acre land have been encroached upon, and the colony is now under evaluation for potential redevelopment. The cabinet's plans include addressing dangerous and under-construction buildings and vacating these areas as part of the larger redevelopment.
Land for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project has also been cleared in Borivali, continuing the state's strategy to allocate additional land parcels to housing projects aimed at improving the living conditions for Mumbai's slum dwellers. This latest round of land approvals aligns with previous cabinet decisions to allocate salt-pan lands for slum rehabilitation projects, emphasizing the government's ongoing commitment to improving Mumbai's housing infrastructure.
Alongside these housing initiatives, the cabinet has approved several other projects, including irrigation schemes across Maharashtra and the establishment of new educational institutions. The government has also made amendments to the Maharashtra Public Libraries Act. These decisions reflect the government's broader urban and rural development strategy, with a focus on infrastructure, education, and housing reform.
In conclusion, while the government proceeds with land allocations for projects like the DRP, it faces criticism over the balance between corporate interests and public welfare. The coming months will reveal how these developments shape Mumbai's urban landscape, particularly in terms of housing availability and environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total land allocated for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project in Madh Island?
The Maharashtra government has allocated approximately 180 acres of land in Madh Island for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP).
Who is leading the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is led by the Adani Group.
What is the current real estate price range in Madh Island?
Currently, real estate prices in Madh Island range between INR 2,000 and INR 2,600 per square foot. However, these values can drop by 40% in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas, bringing them closer to INR 1,000 per square foot.
Why was the MLA housing society moved to Madh Island?
The MLA housing society was initially planned for Versova, but due to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) restrictions, the project was shifted to Madh Island.
What other projects have been approved along with the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?
Alongside the DRP, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved several other projects, including irrigation schemes, the establishment of new educational institutions, and amendments to the Maharashtra Public Libraries Act.
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