Maharashtra Plans Rule Changes to Speed Up Redevelopment on Mumbai’s Mill Lands

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is planning to change development rules to speed up the redevelopment of old and unsafe buildings on Mumbai’s mill lands. The aim is to revive projects that have been stuck for years and make redevelopment more attractive for builders.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said in the legislative assembly that many buildings and chawls located on mill lands are in bad condition and pose serious safety risks. He said redevelopment is urgently required, but current rules do not offer enough benefits to encourage developers.

“Many of the residential structures and chawls (tenements) on these lands are old and unsafe, and redevelopment is urgently needed. The government has decided to amend the rules to encourage redevelopment. A (proposed) amendment under section 37(1)(ka) of the MRTP Act (Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966) has been approved and a notification will be issued,” he said.

At present, redevelopment of mill lands is regulated under the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034. While these rules ensure that eligible residents receive rehabilitation housing under Regulation 35(7)(A), they do not offer any extra incentive Floor Space Index (FSI) to developers.
“The existing rules do not provide additional incentive Floor Space Index (FSI) to encourage builders to take up redevelopment,” Shinde said.

Because of the lack of incentives, several redevelopment proposals have not moved forward, even though many buildings are unsafe and need urgent rebuilding. The government believes that the proposed amendment will improve project feasibility and encourage developers to take up such projects.
“The amendment will now make redevelopment easier and give a much-needed push to long-pending projects,” Shinde added.

Once the revised rules come into force, the government expects redevelopment activity on Mumbai’s mill lands to increase. This is expected to improve safety for residents and help unlock the potential of large land parcels that have remained underused for many years.

By Sana Khan
Executive Editor, Realty Quarter