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CREDAI-MCHI and the Practising Engineers, Architects, and Town Planners Association (PEATA) have urged Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde to reinstate online access to critical property and layout databases that recently went offline. These digital tools-previously available on the MHADA and district collector's websites-were essential for architects, developers, and citizens in verifying details and streamlining construction approvals. The sudden blackout has disrupted operations, forcing users to rely on time-consuming manual processes and outdated records, significantly affecting transparency and project timelines across Mumbai.
CREDAI-MCHI, the apex organisation representing real estate developers, alongside the Practising Engineers, Architects, and Town Planners Association (PEATA), made a joint appeal to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to promptly restore access to key online property and layout databases that recently became inaccessible. This joint representation was made on behalf of Mumbai's residents, homebuyers, and professionals involved in urban development. Advertisement
CREDAI-MCHI stated that this essential data, which had previously been accessible via the websites of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and the district collector, had suddenly disappeared from public view.
According to the joint statement, the digital tools in question-such as the Mumbai city online property card, MHADA cess building details, city survey plans with storey-wise data, and updated layout sheets covering 114 MHADA layouts-were crucial for professionals like engineers, architects, and developers, as well as for individual property owners. These platforms enabled them to verify key information, plan projects, and obtain timely approvals.
The abrupt unavailability of these digital services had severely hindered these activities, pushing users back into outdated manual processes and compelling them to visit government departments in person.
In a letter sent out during the past week, PEATA outlined the compounding effects of this digital outage, explaining that tasks which were once straightforward now face delays ranging from 15 to 20 days due to the need for physical verifications. It also noted that the layout information still present on the MHADA website is outdated and lacks vital data such as current pro rata and Floor Space Index (FSI) details-both essential for construction and urban planning.
The developers underscored that this issue was not limited to large development firms but also impacted middle-class homeowners, independent architects, and small-scale contractors, all of whom rely on swift access to official records for informed decision-making.
Domnic Romell, President of CREDAI-MCHI, remarked that for those intending to build or renovate homes, as well as professionals ensuring compliance and safety, online access to accurate property information was not a luxury but a fundamental necessity. The removal of these digital tools has caused delays in approvals and an increase in workloads for both users and the already overburdened public departments.
Milind Changani of PEATA noted that these online platforms were vital for professionals as they provided fundamental data required for conducting feasibility studies-an important factor in convincing housing societies and landowners to proceed with redevelopment initiatives.
The collective appeal by CREDAI-MCHI and PEATA reflects the broader frustration within Mumbai's real estate and urban planning community over the recent digital blackout. Both organisations continue to stress the need for swift restoration of digital access to maintain momentum in Mumbai's urban development and housing sector.
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