Revised cluster development rules bring hope for illegal buildings in Mumbai

Residents to be included in the scheme but will have to pay ready reckoner rate for extra space.

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan speaks at the inauguration of Kapurbawdi flyover in Thane on Monday. - GK Baig/DNA
It is a big relief for those living in unauthorised structures.

These buildings will be included in the revised cluster development policy, which is in the final stages of being drafted.

Sources said, as per the new policy, people living in unauthorised structures will also be included in the scheme, but they will have to pay the cost of construction to the government.

“If a person is occupying 500 sqft  in an old building, then he is entitled to get a minimum 300 sqft as a rehab. If he wants the additional 200 sqft, he would have to pay as per the ready reckoner rate,” said a senior state urban development official.

This is one of the important changes proposed in the new policy, sources in Mantralaya tolddna.

The policy, implemented in 2005, is being revised to make cluster development projects feasible.

The official said a higher floor space index (FSI) would be permitted if the proposed cluster to be developed is a big one.  “Bigger the size of the development, higher the FSI,” he added.

This is being done to encourage housing societies and developers take up bigger plots for development under the scheme. “The policy will help create proper infrastructure, wider roads, more parking slots, gardens and open spaces. It will improve the residents’ quality of life,” the official added.

After 78 people were killed in the collapse of an illegal Mumbra building in April, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan had said that Mumbai’s cluster development model would be replicated in Thane and Navi Mumbai region. Around 1.6 lakh buildings are illegal in Thane and nearby areas.

He reiterated his statement on Monday while inaugurating a flyover in Thane.

Another senior state revenue department told dna that once the revised cluster development policy is accepted by the government, the necessary changes would be made in the development control rules (DCRs).

“The changes in the policy will not only make the cluster development scheme easier to implement, but will also help rehabilitate thousands of people living in crumbling structures,’’ he said.

Shailesh Puranik, managing director of Puranik Developer, welcomed the proposed changes in the policy.  “It is good idea to develop old and dilapidated buildings under the cluster redevelopment scheme. The housing supply will increase, bringing down the real estate prices.

However, it is necessary to speed up the process for approving cluster development,”  said Puranik, adding that the administration’s attitude is obstructive.

Regulatory body will prevent rule misuse: CM
The formation of a Maharashtra Housing Regulatory Body is important to curb malpractices in the real estate sector, said chief minister Prithviraj Chavan. He has written to the Housing Ministry at the Centre about it. The housing regulatory body will prevent incidents like Campa Cola. The CM said that developers are misusing the rules and constructing illegal floors. The Housing Regulatory Bill is waiting for President Pranab Mukherjee’s signature.