BJP government will expedite implementation of SRA projects: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

MUMBAI: The BJP government in Maharashtra will speed up implementation of projects undertaken by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority and focus on creating more housing stock in Mumbai, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said today.

"46 per cent of people in Mumbai live in slums and resolution of problems of slum dwellers is important for overall development of the city. If SRA rules are streamlined, the projects can be expedited and the housing stock would be enhanced," Fadnavis said addressing a press conference after attending the SRA board meeting.

As many as 117 Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects are pending under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and 96 projects under Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority ( MHADA).

"Projects pending for three years were reviewed and instructions were given to complete them at the earliest. SRA budget is Rs 1,800 crore out of which Rs 500 crore should be given to MHADA for creating a housing stock," the chief minister said.

Fadnavis said five trusts in Mumbai have large land holdings and their owners have not come forward to develop the land, which is heavily encroached.

"The government would undertake the legal process of acquiring the land," he added.

In the Dharavi re-development, 300 sq ft tenements would be given free of cost to the occupants while proposal for charging for additional 100 sq ft is under consideration.

Fadnavis also said private developers would be encouraged to construct affordable housing.