Maharashtra Greenlights Cluster-Wise Slum Redevelopment for Mumbai — Big Ambitions, Big Challenges
On October 7, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved a sweeping new scheme to redevelop slum clusters in Mumbai. The vision: convert contiguous pockets of informal settlements—especially where they span over 50 acres or more—into integrated housing enclings, complete with upgraded infrastructure and better living conditions. Hindustan Times
What the Plan Proposes
- The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) will oversee implementation. Hindustan Times
- The government will identify “suitable clusters,” and approvals will funnel through a high-level committee led by the Additional Chief Secretary (Housing). Hindustan Times
- Redevelopment may involve joint ventures or private developers, but with incentives built in for larger schemes. Hindustan Times
- In some cases, the Floor Space Index (FSI) can rise above 4, especially when relocating slums from non-developable zones such as Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZs). Hindustan Times
- Projects under this new policy would enjoy the same incentives as other integrated housing projects in Maharashtra. Hindustan Times
Why It Matters — and What Stakeholders Say
Mumbai’s redevelopment efforts have often stumbled over fragmented plots, small slum pockets, and viability constraints. This cluster approach is intended to overcome those very hurdles—by treating many small pockets as a larger, coherent redevelopment unit. Hindustan Times
Developers have largely welcomed the shift. Rushi Mehta (Secretary, CREDAI-MCHI) observed that many smaller, disjointed schemes are “unviable” individually. The new strategy, he argues, “will help overcome planning inefficiencies and transform the urban fabric of Mumbai.” Hindustan Times
For slum dwellers, the promise is of more dignified housing, better amenities, and inclusion in broader city planning. But execution will be where the rubber meets the road.
Key Challenges & Risks
- Land acquisition & consent: Getting buy-in from existing residents—many of whom have informal tenure—will be tricky.
- Developer interest vs profitability: Even with incentives, ensuring that large-scale projects remain financially attractive to private developers is not guaranteed.
- Relocation logistics: During construction, where do existing dwellers go? How smooth will the transition be?
- Maintaining inclusivity: Without rigorous safeguards, there’s a risk that marginal households may be left behind.
- Infrastructure integration: It’s not enough to build houses—roads, drainage, utilities, public transport access must follow.
- Regulatory bottlenecks: Approvals, clearances, environmental norms (especially in CRZ areas) could slow down progress.
