Maharashtra Cabinet approves group redevelopment of MHADA housing in Mumbai

According to the officials, the MHADA’s Mumbai division had constructed a total of 56 housing colonies between 1950 and 1960 for middle and low income groups (MIG and LIG) and these colonies comprised almost 5,000 cooperative housing societies in Mumbai.

However over the years, the condition of many of these buildings have deteriorated with some showing structural damage and are in dilapidated conditions. Owing to this, residents have faced cramped living spaces, outdated facilities, and inadequate infrastructure that has made the large-scale redevelopment of these structures necessary.

Under the new policy, MHADA will carry out group redevelopment of these large colonies under which, the old structures would be replaced with modern apartments.

The new buildings will feature lifts, spacious parking, gardens, community halls, playgrounds, gyms, and swimming pools. Security will be strengthened through CCTV surveillance, and essential infrastructure such as water supply, sewage systems, electricity, and roads will be upgraded using environmentally friendly methods.

The plan also focuses on holistic community development. The redeveloped colonies will include schools, healthcare centers, commercial spaces, and green areas, allowing residents to access most facilities within their neighborhoods. While the policy allows for maximum redevelopment area and does not make resident consent mandatory, developers appointed through tendering must still secure formal approval from housing societies, ensuring that residents’ concerns are heard and considered.

MHADA’s Planning Authority will oversee 114 projects under this new policy to ensure the construction meets safety and design standards. Additionally, a special committee led by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing Department will monitor the implementation and address administrative or technical challenges that may arise.

Officials said the redevelopment plan is expected to transform old MHADA colonies into modern townships, offering residents safer, more spacious homes with better amenities. Urban infrastructure in these areas will also be upgraded, including water, electricity, roads, and green spaces. Experts noted that the policy could serve as a model for other cities, showing how large-scale redevelopment can combine modern planning with community participation.

Meanwhile, in another decision, the Maharashtra state cabinet also approved an amendment to the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950, making three years of legal practice mandatory for appointment as Assistant Charity Commissioner, Group-A.

The move comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling, which held that fresh law graduates without prior judicial or legal experience are not eligible for appointment to positions such as civil judges (junior division) or first-level judicial magistrates. Following this, the state government decided that candidates for the semi-judicial post of Assistant Charity Commissioner must possess a minimum of three years’ experience as a practicing lawyer to ensure they have adequate practical knowledge before handling sensitive matters.

The role of Assistant Charity Commissioner is semi-judicial in nature, involving legal decision-making and oversight of charitable trusts. Officials said that the responsibilities cannot be handled effectively through academic knowledge alone; practical experience, interaction with parties, and participation in legal proceedings are essential.