Mumbai Builders Drop the Plan of Strike

Mumbai builders have called off their strike scheduled for May 3.

The Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry and the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India had called for a one-day token strike protesting the delay in project approvals and against the State Government’s move to establish a housing regulator.

The Builders Association of India too decided to participate in the strike. Addressing media persons here on Wednesday, Mr Paras Gundecha, President, said the Chief Minister, Mr Prithviraj Chavan, met the association on Tuesday and assured the members that all issues concerning builders would be addressed.

Mr Gundecha said MCHI also made a presentation to Mr Chavan on the issue faced by developers and sought a single window clearance for housing projects. The Chief Minister had also made it clear that the government’s priority was to build affordable housing stock, he said.

BAI Advices Maharashtra Government to Take Over SRA Redevelopment

MUMBAI: In view of the tremendous response received by state-run housing corporation MHADA for its offer of 4,034 houses under different categories, Builders Association of India has adviced the Maharashtra government to take control of the redevelopment of SRA schemes and nominate MHADA, MMRDA and CIDCO as the official agencies for redevelopment of slum. BAI Treasurer, Anand Gupta said, “MHADA, MMRDA and CIDCO like agencies could offer free rehabilitation houses to eligible slum residents by constructing multi – storied buildings as provided in the SRA Scheme. They can sell the balance area to all those applicants of MHADA flats who did not get allotment”. BAI has sent a written proposal to state government in this regard.

“Over 2 lakh people had applied for the 4,034 MHADA flats in May this year, and nearly 7 lakh home-seekers are expecting that they will get flats at very reasonable rates. Funding such projects will not be an issue since customers are ready to buy the houses at rates and terms of payment as announced by MHADA”. MHADA has a unique advantage, it has over a period of time collected a huge data base of home-seekers in Mumbai, which promises ready customers for affordable and mass housing segments.

All these Government bodies have made the mandatory consent by 70 percent slum residents will not be required. As per SRA record, 1,046 plots are available with state Government for redevelopment. That can house 3,70,000 flats of 430 square feet as per carpet area, and provide housing to six lac slum residents.