The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has taken action to revamp 17 police colonies in Mumbai, addressing long-standing complaints about the deteriorating condition of service quarters for low-ranking police personnel. Following discussions between the housing and state home departments, MHADA is set to appoint a project management consultant for the redevelopment. Once completed, 4,725 upgraded flats, offering more space than current tenements, will be allocated to police personnel. The move aims to address the persisting issue of neglected housing for constables and head constables.
In response to persistent grievances regarding the dismal state of police quarters in Mumbai, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has initiated a comprehensive redevelopment plan encompassing 17 police colonies. This decision stems from extensive deliberations between the housing and state home departments, with the objective of alleviating the enduring challenge of substandard living conditions for police personnel.
The distressing condition of 27 police colonies, particularly the service quarters designated for constables, head constables, and other lower-ranking police staff, has been a source of apprehension over the past few years. Notably, these colonies, initially developed by MHADA, have significantly aged, necessitating urgent maintenance. Interestingly, quarters assigned to high-ranking police officers remain in a commendable state.
Earlier this year, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde conducted a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis to confront the challenges associated with police housing. In response to the concerns, MHADA was entrusted with the task of formulating a report detailing potential redevelopment strategies. The housing authority submitted its report six months ago, delineating a blueprint that involves relocating service quarters from 17 colonies to 7, while repurposing the remaining space for public housing.
Upon completion, a total of 4,725 flats will be allocated to police personnel, offering a larger carpet area in contrast to their current cramped accommodations. MHADA's principal redevelopment plan entails providing service quarters measuring 484 sqft for lower-ranking personnel and 646 sq ft apartments for police officers. Notably, the existing size of service quarters in the 17 colonies is either 180 sq ft or 225 sq ft.
The current process involves the selection of a project management consultant by MHADA to supervise the redevelopment project. Importantly, all the flats resulting from the redevelopment will be furnished to the police department without any financial burden, as confirmed by a statement from an MHADA official.
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