Revamp of 133 British-era chawls to give city more flats

The city’s housing stock will rise significantly and residents of dilapidated buildings will get to live in better flats, following the two decisions announced by the state government on Tuesday.

The city’s housing stock will rise significantly and residents of dilapidated buildings will get to live in better flats, following the two decisions announced by the state government on Tuesday.

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The state has asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to initiate the process for redevelopment of the erstwhile British Improve-ment Trust’s 133 chawls in south-central Mumbai.

The state has appointed the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) as the nodal agency for housing projects in areas under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). The decision was taken after the environment ministry said it would allow housing in coastal areas only if the state was a majority stakeholder in projects.

“The state will have a 51 per cent stake in redeveloping old buildings that come under the city’s CRZ areas,” Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said.

Sachin Ahir, minister of state for housing, said Mhada could sell its share of houses built, at affordable rates. “This is a great opportunity to provide affordable housing in the city,” said Pankaj Kapoor, MD, Liasas Foras, a research firm.