What Is One Of The Primary Factors For The Delay Of Redevelopment Attempts in Mumbai and How Can The Proposed Redevelopment Policy Alter The Game?

Redevelopment Policy in Mumbai

It has been observed that redevelopment projects in Mumbai and its environs are frequently delayed or halted due to the incorrect selection of the developer and architect by the building's tenants or society members.

They either lack the comprehension or the knowledge to select a reputable developer with the necessary experience and expertise, who can see the redevelopment project through to completion.

What is the BMC's strategy for preventing similar situations in the future?

The BMC has devised a policy that has been conceptualised and planned in order to facilitate their pursuit of successful redevelopment and prevent them from making the incorrect decision.

The policy is being devised in accordance with the court's directive in one of the delayed project cases. We anticipate receiving the requisite permissions for its implementation in the near future.

How would the proposed policy make a difference, and how would redevelopment-seeking Mumbai residents benefit? 

In accordance with this policy, a panel of 'BMC-approved' reputable developers and architects who satisfy the enumerated criteria and parameters will be compiled.

Residential societies seeking to select a developer and architect from the panel and move the process forward methodically by delegating responsibility to dependable developers who are capable of bringing the project to a successful conclusion without any delays.

They will have the financial means to see the redevelopment project through, as well as the technical expertise and modern design required to construct optimal structures that maximise space.

Why is this proposed policy an urgent necessity? 

So many inhabitants of deteriorating buildings continue to jeopardise their lives by remaining in a structure that could collapse at any moment. The recurrent costs for what are typically emergency repairs provide only transient relief. The only long-term solution is to transform the ancient structure into a modern building.

In many instances, people have already left their residences and are residing in temporary housing, as the redevelopment has been temporarily halted. When the waiting period continues extending and the date of possession becomes uncertain, it becomes very difficult for them to continue doing this.

These have unfailingly selected the incorrect real estate developer for reasons spanning from a small number of members seeking additional benefits to ignorance of the short listing procedure.

In some instances, there is a stalemate and no developer is chosen, making the situation extremely difficult to manage. Currently, the DCPR contains a provision stating that only societies may appoint the developer. It is essential, therefore, to have a policy that ensures the landowner, not the tenants, selects the developer.

What would occur if inhabitants were unable to make a selection from the panel?

The BMC will designate a developer from the panel to complete the project if the residents of a block that urgently requires redevelopment fail to take their responsibility seriously and choose a developer from the BMC panel within the allotted time frame. We believe this is a significant step that will facilitate the completion of a backlog of pending projects and prevent future delays or stalls in redevelopment.