Cash for PAP to speed up infrastructure projects

MUMBAI: To pave the way for major infrastructure projects stuck for want of land in the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently sanctioned the monetary compensation policy through which it can offer a one-time relief package to the project affected people (PAP).

So far, PAP were asked to move out of their houses or shops to alternate accommodation or markets provided to them by BMC. With the implementation of this policy, PAP can now opt for cash compensation and hand over their space to the BMC without wasting time.

Although the policy was sanctioned by the general body of BMC in September last year and was supposed to be implemented by next month, it got civic chief Ajoy Mehta’s nod in Januaryend. The new policy extends nonslum commercial structures (establishments that have not been declared a slum) compensation equal to 100% of the ready reckoner rate of the structure. Commercial slum structures will get 75% of the ready reckoner rate.

The policy is being seen as a step towards speeding up infra projects such as the Goregaon Mulund Link Road (GMLR), widening of Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg (LBS), construction of several project roads, etc, by easing the land acquisition process.

Implementation of several major infra projects often face opposition from PAP. A senior civic official, requesting anonymity, said the policy will ensure PAP get reimbursed immediately after their structure is demolished.

“From a simple road widening project to multi-crore projects like GMLR, this policy will be a game-changer. It mandates that the affected PAP will get reimbursed immediately after their structure is razed.”