Officials said the cluster approach is expected to ensure planned layouts, rational use of infrastructure and better living conditions compared to piecemeal redevelopment of individual plots
The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday approved two significant policies — a cluster-based redevelopment plan for Mumbai’s slums under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) and a statewide sewage treatment and reuse policy aimed at promoting a circular economy and efficient water use.
According to officials, the cluster redevelopment scheme, to be implemented by the Brihanmumbai Slum Rehabilitation Authority as the nodal agency, seeks to bring a coordinated and scientific approach to redeveloping large stretches of slum land spread across Mumbai. It covers areas comprising slums, old and dilapidated structures, tenant-occupied buildings and vacant plots unsuitable for construction, with the objective of providing integrated housing and upgraded civic infrastructure.
Officials said under the scheme, land parcels with a contiguous area of at least 50 acres — where more than 51 per cent of the land is occupied by slums — will be eligible for redevelopment.
The Chief Executive Officer of SRA will identify such clusters, which will then be vetted by a high-level committee chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (Housing) before final approval by the state government.
The redevelopment can be undertaken either through a joint venture involving a government agency, by appointing a private developer through a tender process, or by permitting a developer who already holds over 40 per cent of the cluster land, subject to government approval. The policy also allows inclusion of central government or PSU lands, provided the respective authorities consent.
Private landowners may participate in the scheme with prior permission of the high-level committee. They may be offered developed plots with equivalent floor space index roughly equal to 50 per cent of their land value, on the lines of a Town Planning Scheme. If such an offer is refused, the land may be acquired under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, with acquisition costs to be borne by the developer.
For areas affected by Coastal Regulation Zones, slum clusters in CRZ-I will be relocated and the vacated land will be used for public amenities, while in CRZ-II areas, developers will be allowed to build sale components as per the Development Control and Promotion Regulations, 2034. The policy further provides for granting floor space index up to four or higher, wherever feasible, solely for the rehabilitation of slum dwellers or project-affected persons, with incentives under Regulation 33(10) or any other provision offering greater benefit.
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Officials said the cluster approach is expected to ensure planned layouts, rational use of infrastructure and better living conditions compared to piecemeal redevelopment of individual plots.
In another key decision, the Cabinet also approved the Sewage Treatment and Reuse Policy, 2025, to be implemented by the Urban Development Department with a budgetary provision of Rs 500 crore.
The policy aims to promote reuse of treated sewage water across the state’s 424 urban local bodies, which together account for nearly 48 per cent of Maharashtra’s population.
With rising urban water demand and limited freshwater sources, the state has framed a policy to treat and recycle wastewater for non-potable uses such as thermal power generation, industrial processes, urban applications and agricultural irrigation.
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A district-level coordination committee headed by the collector or municipal commissioner will monitor implementation, while a state-level steering committee chaired by the chief secretary will oversee overall progress. The move is expected to encourage industries and civic bodies to adopt treated wastewater and help Maharashtra move towards a more resource-efficient and circular urban economy.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
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