Mhada yet to get 3,300 houses from 33 builders

Thirty-three builders have been served notice by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) for not surrendering 3,300 houses to the housing board as per rules. They have two months in which to comply. Naresh Kamath reports.

Thirty-three builders have been served notice by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) for not surrendering 3,300 houses to the housing board as per rules. They have two months in which to comply.

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Mhada officials said the builders had defaulted in handing over 10 lakh square feet to the board after redeveloping old properties. The 10 lakh square feet translates to around 3,300 houses of 300 square feet each.

Mohan Thombre, chief officer, Mhada (Mumbai buildings repairs and reconstruction board), said the housing board was serious about getting the houses. "We have given them grace of two months to give us these houses. We have also given them a choice. If they are unable to give us flats in their buildings, they can make arrangements to give us flats of the same size in other buildings in the same area," Thombre said.

Mhada has also decided to fine these builders Rs40 crore. A few months ago, Mhada had even filed police complaints against these builders.

Thombre said the flats in Matunga, Dadar, Prabhadevi, Mumbai Central, Byculla, Mazgaon and Mahim, would be sold at affordable rates through the usual lottery system.

Ramakant Jadhav, CEO, Shivalik Ventures Private Limited, a defaulter in two such cases, was abusive. "Why should I tell you what I am going to do? Who are you," Jadhav told HT.

Shabbir Patel, chairman, Oscar Builders Private Limited, said that he was ready to hand over the flats but was besieged by a legal matter.