In a significant development, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has approved the allocation of ownership flats to over 4,700 government employees residing in Bandra (East), Mumbai's government colony. This decision, following a meeting chaired by Shinde, aims to optimize land use by redeveloping the sprawling 90-acre colony. Roughly 10 acres will be designated for a slum rehabilitation scheme, benefitting both slum dwellers and government employees in Class II and III categories. Additional ownership flats will be provided to Class IV employees within the 12 buildings slated for redevelopment. While facing some criticism, this proactive approach addresses Mumbai's housing challenges and promotes equitable urban development.
In a significant move, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has greenlit the provision of ownership flats to over 4,700 government employees residing in service quarters at a government colony in Bandra (East), Mumbai. This decision, announced by Shiv Sena spokesperson Kiran Pawaskar, follows a meeting chaired by Shinde where officials were instructed to explore the development potential of the slum area and submit a comprehensive redevelopment plan.
The sprawling government colony, spanning 90 acres, accommodates 4,782 employees across various job classifications - from class I to class IV. Pawaskar outlined the strategic allocation of space, with approximately 10 acres earmarked for a slum rehabilitation scheme. In this initiative, the government aims to rehabilitate slum dwellers while providing ownership flats to 3,800 employees in Class II and III categories through the sales component.
Simultaneously, the 12 buildings currently under redevelopment will have some flats allocated to approximately 1,800 Class IV employees on ownership flats. Additionally, one of the redeveloped buildings will serve as Savitribai Phule Government Hostel for women. On the remaining area, the redevelopment plan involves dedicating around 30 acres for a complex catering to the Bombay High Court.
However, the decision has not been without criticism. Some critics, notably Salil Rameshchandra, President of the Federation of Grantees of Government Land, have raised concerns, emphasizing the inappropriate nature of granting quarters on an ownership basis amidst the pressing housing challenges faced by Mumbai. Responding to concerns raised about similar demands rising from other government officers, Pawaskar emphasized that the redevelopment initiative would result in three times more flats and the ownership flats are exclusively designated for families of government officials residing in the colony for two generations.
The move by the Maharashtra government addresses not only the housing needs of government employees but also aims to tackle slum rehabilitation on the same land, contributing to broader urban development goals. As Mumbai grapples with escalating housing concerns and population density, the initiative signals a proactive approach to optimize land use and provide dignified housing solutions. The impact on the Bandra government colony would set a precedent for redevelopments that balance the needs of residents and institutional requirements, aiming for a more sustainable and equitable urban landscape.
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