Cluster redevelopment is the answer, agree all South Mumbai candidates

While the candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections have not spoken much during their rallies on the issue of dilapidated buildings and frequent collapses, since this does not directly come under their purview, all are unanimous on one aspect that the cluster redevelopment policy is the key to resolve the issue of dilapidated structures plaguing the city.

Milind Deora (37), Congress sitting MP from South Mumbai, said, “Repair and redevelopment of South Mumbai is necessary, but it needs to be done while taking the community together. We can’t allow private builders with vested interest to make windfall profits without having any accountability.” He added that the first-of-its-kind Bhendi Bazaar cluster redevelopment showcased a holistic development.

“This I am sure will be a model policy for Mumbai and the rest of India. On the success of the project, impact of the policy will be measured and implementation in other areas will take place.”

According to data available with the BMC, the South Mumbai constituency, comprising areas like Colaba, Malabar Hills, Mumbadevi, Byculla, Sewri and Worli, carries a burden of 26 per cent of the total dilapidated buildings in the city. Over 341 buildings, of which more than 80 fall under the C-1 category (in need of immediate demolition).
“We have pursued change of certain development rules with the state government, which can bring maximum benefit to tenants under the cluster development policy. Most of them have tenancy rights,” Deora said.

However, MNS candidate Bala Nandgaonkar said tenants should be kept in mind while formulating the policy and corpus funds provided to them must be adequate. “At least 4,000 sqm should be there for cluster redevelopment. Since one flat comprises 300-350 sqm, there are several landlords and tenants involved that further complicates the situation. I feel cluster redevelopment should be first beneficial for tenants. Under the Congress government, BMC has been unable to do much, he added.

At present, two projects are under way as per the existing cluster scheme — One Avighna Park at Lower Parel and a project in Bhendi Bazaar by the Saifee Burhani Trust.
Sena candidate Arvind Sawant said, “In South Mumbai, we have several old buildings in a dilapidated condition. Some are private and some public, while some are under tenancy. I have been repeatedly saying that nothing much can be done with policies, a law has to be implemented.” Ward E (comprising Chinchpokli and Byculla) has over 76 dilapidated structures, the maximum in all the wards.

Meera Sanyal, AAP candidate, said, “In all the pockets I have visited, people have complained that while their signatures are taken for redevelopment, the work is shelved for years. Not only the BMC, but even the state government is at fault. Dilapidated buildings are the biggest issue in the constituency at present.” She added that cluster redevelopment was a simple process, however, due to vague policies it had witnessed a delay.

tabassum.barnagarwala@expressindia.com