| Work Detail |
The Bombay High Court recently cleared the way for the redevelopment of 141 acres of MHADA land in Motilal Nagar, Goregaon (West)—the largest MHADA colony redevelopment project. The court disposed of a 2013 public interest litigation (PIL) that had raised concerns over rampant illegal construction in the colony. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre allowed a 2021 plea by MHADA, permitting the redevelopment to proceed through private developers via a bidding process. With the litigation resolved, MHADA can now move forward with opening the bids. According to MHADA, the estimated cost of the redevelopment project is ?21,000 crore, with the selected developer bearing the full cost, including transit and rehabilitation expenses for eligible tenements, shops, slum dwellers, and other amenities. Compensation to the construction and development agency (C&DA) will be provided through floor space index (FSI). The PILs, filed by Manjula Veeran and Tekchand Khanchandani, had sought demolition of unauthorised structures in Motilal Nagar I, II, and III, originally home to 400 tenants in row houses. A 2013 HC directive required MHADA to conduct a survey to determine the extent of illegal construction. The survey, conducted in October 2013, found over 3,600 unauthorised structures, which were subsequently included in the redevelopment plan. MHADA, represented by senior counsel Darius Khambata, argued that the redevelopment aligns with the MHADA Act of 1976, which focuses on housing, repairing dangerous buildings, and improving slum areas. The court accepted MHADA’s stance, ensuring that rehabilitation is carried out through the bidding process. As of December 2021, only three firms—Adani, L&T, and Naman Developers—submitted bids for the redevelopment of Motilal Nagar, which is touted as Mumbai’s largest housing project. The plan includes rehabilitation for existing tenants and commercial users, transforming the area into a modern urban space. |
