MHADA to redevelop 200 dilapidated buildings, but regulations delay process

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is planning to redevelop nearly 200 buildings across the city that are in a dilapidated condition. These buildings were facing trouble in receiving approvals for redevelopment due to lack of space over their plot areas.

According to the fire safety norms, there needs to be an exterior open space of a 6 metre long passageway around the building for fire vehicles to pass. This was one of the major reasons behind restricting the authority from carrying out the revamp of these buildings.

MHADA officials said that these old structures have congested space around them and it is difficult to vacate an open space in its periphery. A senior official said, “The area around these buildings is far too less. These are old structures constructed according to the norms of that era. In order to redevelop these structures, we will have to keep an exterior open space of 6 meters.”

The Mumbai Repair and Reconstruction Board has planned to amalgamate the adjacent plot into redevelopment in order to comply with the fire safety norms.

The official added, “By amalgamating the adjacent plot and redeveloping the entire area, there will be a larger area to revamp the entire plot while considering the fire safety rules.”

However, officials from the repair board have denied that any such proposal is being tabled.

The official said, “We have shifted the residents of these structures to the houses in the master list. The amalgamation can only be valid if the adjacent structures are in a need of redevelopment. However, if there are any such structures available then the amalgamation can be carried out.”

The move comes after the recent Bhendi Bazaar building collapse which claimed the lives of 33 people. Sources said that the housing authority wants to expedite the redevelopment projects of dangerous structures in order to avoid any untoward incidents.