The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has successfully recovered a total of INR 200.23 crore in compensation for homebuyers' losses. This includes INR 46.47 crore from Mumbai city, INR 76.33 crore from Mumbai suburban, INR 39.10 crore from Pune, INR 11.65 crore from Thane, INR 9.65 crore from Nagpur, INR 7.49 crore from Raigad, INR 4.49 crore from Palghar, INR 3.84 crore from Sambhajinagar, INR 1.12 crore from Nashik, and INR 9 lakh from Chandrapur. To further enhance the recovery process, MahaRERA has decided to appoint retired Tahsildars to the offices of the District Collectorates in Mumbai suburban and Pune. The appointments, made in collaboration with district authorities, aim to improve recovery efforts in areas with high case volumes and substantial outstanding amounts.

In Mumbai suburban, approximately INR 228.12 crore remains to be collected from 355 complaints across 73 projects, while in Pune, the outstanding amount stands at INR 150.72 crore from 201 complaints involving 89 projects. Based on the response to this recovery, MahaRERA plans to expand its efforts by appointing officials in other district collectorates as well.

In January 2023, MahaRERA appointed a retired Additional District Collector to oversee the recovery of compensation on behalf of homebuyers. This official maintains regular communication and coordination with relevant District Collectors, Sub-Divisional Officers, Tahsildars, and Talathis. MahaRERA prioritises this recovery, with progress reviewed in every departmental meeting. As required, MahaRERA ensures that District Collectors, Sub-Divisional Officers, and Tahsildars are regularly updated for hearings, and continuous efforts are made to guarantee compensation collection across all districts.

To date, MahaRERA has issued 1,163 warrants to recover INR 705.62 crore from 442 projects. Of this, INR 200.23 crore has been recovered from 283 warrants covering 139 real estate projects. Homebuyer complaints are addressed through hearings, and developers are directed to pay interest, compensation for losses, or refunds within the specified timeframe. If developers fail to make payments, the District Collector's office plays a critical role in recovering the dues. This recovery is carried out under Section 40(1) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, which authorises District Collectors to recover dues as arrears of land revenue. Additionally, the Maharashtra Land Revenue Act, 1966, provides similar provisions for the recovery of such dues.

As always, MahaRERA has been making every possible effort to ensure the effective implementation of the orders related to the payment of interest, compensation, and refunds, after conducting regular fair hearings.

In Mumbai City, INR 85.79 crore is due from 35 warrants in 19 projects. Of these, INR 46.47 crore has been recovered involving 22 warrants in 13 projects. In Mumbai Suburban, INR 304.45 crore is due from 440 warrants in 115 projects. Of these, INR 76.33 crore has been recovered for 85 warrants involving 42 projects. In Pune, INR 189.82 crore is due from 258 warrants in 131 projects. Of these, INR 39.10 crore has been recovered for 57 warrants related to 36 projects.

In Thane, INR 62.58 crore is due from 191 warrants in 81 projects. Of these, INR 11.65 crore has been recovered from 27 warrants in 15 projects. In Alibag/Raigad, INR 23.79 crore is due from 116 warrants in 45 projects. Of these, INR 7.49 crore has been recovered from 57 warrants in 18 projects.

In Palghar, INR 19.86 crore is due from 79 warrants in 32 projects. Of these, INR 4.49 crore has been recovered from 8 warrants in 6 projects. In Nagpur, INR 10.62 crore is due from 18 warrants in 6 projects. Of these, INR 9.65 crore has been recovered from 13 warrants in 2 projects. In Sambhajinagar, INR 4.04 crore is due from 13 warrants in 2 projects. Of these, INR 3.84 crore has been recovered from 9 warrants in 2 projects.

In Nashik, INR 3.85 crore is due from 6 warrants in 5 projects. INR 1.12 crore has been recovered from 4 warrants in 4 projects. In Chandrapur, INR 9 lakh is payable from 1 warrant in 1 project. This amount has been entirely recovered. In Sindhudurg, INR 54 lakh is due in 2 projects. This amount is yet to be recovered. In Satara, INR 12 lakh is due from 1 project. This amount is yet to be recovered. In Ratnagiri, INR 6 lakh is due from 1 project. This amount is yet to be recovered. In Solapur, INR 1 lakh is due from 1 project. This amount is yet to be recovered.

Manoj Saunik, Chairman, MahaRERA, said "MahaRERA, on various complaints, issues orders regularly to compensate aggrieved homebuyers. MahaRERA's role is to ensure that the compensation ordered is received by the aggrieved homebuyers, for them to get adequate legal and financial relief. To facilitate this, MahaRERA has appointed a retired senior officer from the revenue department. Through him, such cases are consistently followed up with all concerned District Collectors, Deputy Collectors and Tahsildars. Therefore, this process of recovery has gained momentum.

To further enhance the effectiveness of this process, MahaRERA has decided to appoint retired Tahsildars on a pilot basis in the offices of the District Collectorates in Mumbai suburban and Pune, where there are more recovery cases as well as high arrears. Depending on the need, similar appointments will be considered in other districts as well."

In conclusion, MahaRERA's proactive measures have significantly advanced the recovery of compensation for homebuyers, with plans for further enhancements. The appointment of retired officials aims to streamline processes in high-demand areas, ensuring developers fulfill their financial obligations. Continued efforts and structured recovery strategies will bolster confidence in the real estate sector and protect consumer interests.