Common policy for redevelopment of Mumbai metropolitan region

MUMBAI: Maharashtra government will soon announce a common policy for redevelopment of entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region ( MMR) by phasing out the current framework which is sectoral.

Replying to a debate during a calling attention notice on redevelopment of dilapidated and illegal buildings in Mira- Bhayander municipal corporation limits, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a committee headed by Principal Secretary of Urban Development department is in the process of finalising the common policy.

"Till now, the redevelopment policy was sectoral, but the new policy would be common for the entire region,"the CM said.

MMR includes districts of Mumbai, Thane and Palghar, besides Panvel town in Raigad district.

Fadnavis said a complete and comprehensive solution was needed for the redressal of redevelopment woes of this region.

"The panel would be asked to submit its report by this month-end, and government would take into confidence all the municipal bodies and elected representatives in MMR before finalising the policy," he said.

Meanwhile, in his reply to another calling attention notice on the use of LED lights, Fadnavis said his government will ask all municipal corporations in the state to replace ordinary lighting on streets with LED as they save cost as well as energy.

To objections from members that illumination levels of LED at Marine Drive and J J Flyover in Mumbai were very low, Fadnavis said the number of LED bulbs would be increased, and that the LED at Marine Drive is a pilot project for efficiency testing.

"The LED installations would be done through bidding and in a transparent manner by EESL, a Government of India undertaking. Nobody will be favoured," he said.

Some members demanded that LED installations be done in public places like gardens and playgrounds and not just on streets.