Luxury projects in central Mumbai under scanner

Mahrashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan’s decision to review nearly 100 decisions related to land deals has bought several luxury projects in the mill land belt in central Mumbai under the scanner.

Mahrashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan’s decision to review nearly 100 decisions related to land deals has bought several luxury projects in the mill land belt in central Mumbai under the scanner.

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These projects, launched in a big way by top builders, may come to a halt as Chavan is expected to study each project thoroughly before giving the green signal.

Most of these projects had taken advantage of the parking policy, which allowed builders incentive in built-up area in lieu of public parking lots.

“Under the guise of creating public parking, builders were benefited by way of higher built-up area,” said Simpreet Singh, a housing activist, who has played a major role in unearthing several housing scams.

“Chavan has to stress on holistic planning so that corresponding infrastructure also gets upgraded with new housing stock,” Singh said.

These projects are exorbitantly priced and come with a range of amenities like spas, swimming pools, theatres, landscaped gardens and also a sophisticated security system.

Another file that will be reviewed includes land allotments, hike in floor space index (FSI) and also change in land reservation, all dated prior to November 2010.

Last week, Chavan sent back several files relating to notification of slums in Bhandup and Goregaon.

“The clout of the builders has decreased considerably in recent times,” said a senior bureaucrat, who did not wish to be named.

He said Chavan has been very strict regarding land issues especially after his predecessor Ashok Chavan had to resign over his involvement in the Adarsh society scam.

In the last few years, builders have ruled the roost in Mantralaya and officials seen not toeing their line have been transferred to side postings.

However, the Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI) said such reviews only affect the development of the city.

“The projects get delayed and we have to face economic hardships,” said Pravin Doshi, former president, MCHI and chairman, Acme Builders.

He said permissions already consume a lot of time and now the review would make things difficult for them.