Some BDD locals to be shifted to transit camp after Diwali
Giving respite to occupants of 560 houses of Bombay Directorate Development (BDD) Chawl at NM Joshi Marg, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) will shift the occupants to the newly constructed transit camp in Lower Parel after Diwali. The deputy collector's department is currently scrutinising their documents to determine the eligible beneficiaries of the project.
The authority has received all the final building plan approvals for both the chawls at N M Joshi Marg and Naigaon. The 560 houses are part of the first phase of the project which involves revamp of seven chawls. In total, there are 32 chawls, out of which, revamp of 25 chawls will be carried in the next two phases. The existing tenant will move into a 500 square feet apartment, from the existing 160 square feet apartment, each in the redeveloped structure.
Speaking to the Free Press Journal, a senior MHADA official said, “The occupants of BDD chawl have shown immense support for the project and are happy with the alternate accommodation. We are trying to give them the alternate accommodation in the same locality in order to avoid inconvenience.”
The newly-constructed transit camps are located at Prakash Mills and Century Mills. MHADA officials confirmed that it will not take service charge and monthly rents from the occupants, however, they will have to pay for their electricity bills.
The area of the first phase of the BDD redevelopment chawl will create nearly 1,200 rehab houses. According to the plan, the authority will construct two towers of 22 storeys in the first phase. The redevelopment project is being eyed upon by developers to gain massive saleable component at a prime location in Central Mumbai. The revamp of BDD chawl at NM Joshi Marg has been awarded to Shapoorji Pallonji, whereas the revamp of Naigaon Chawl has been awarded Larsen and Toubro.
The project involves the entire revamp of around 32 buildings at NM Joshi Marg which has more than 2000 houses. Apart from rehousing the existing tenants in the redeveloped structure, the project will also create a major housing stock which is likely to be sold in the MHADA lottery.