Mumbai: Government relaxes land norms for affordable housing projects

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (Source: File Photo)

The state Cabinet on Tuesday relaxed norms to address the issue of shortage of land for housing projects, which has posed a hurdle in the way of the Maharashtra government’s affordable housing for all by 2022.

The shortage of land is especially being felt in urban areas. The state government has planned housing projects in 382 cities and towns.

The Cabinet, however, strongly underlined that the relaxed norms would be restricted to eligible individuals/families who conform to the income criteria and are homeless. The amendments will not be applicable for Mumbai.

The Cabinet approved the land amendments allowing housing projects on barren “gavran land” (plot reserved for grazing). The decision comes in the wake of growing demand for affordable housing under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana. The land would be provided on nominal rentals for a period of 30 years. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Housing for all by 2022 is the commitment of the government both at the Centre and the state…”

The state government has set an ambitious target of constructing 12 lakh houses in rural areas and 10 lakh houses in urban Maharashtra. The government claims it has completed construction of 3.5 lakh houses in the last four years, whereas six lakh houses are in various phases of construction.

A senior secretary in the urban development department said, “The amendments in urban land ceiling were necessary following the government’s decision to have housing projects across 382 cities, for which adequate land is necessary especially in cities. Land under municipal corporations, municipal councils and nagar panchayats would be provided for 30 years through rentals.”