Mumbai: The lives of residents of more than 942 apartments in 17 buildings, which are in a dilapidated state, are endangered because redevelopment has not started even after signing the project with Shreepati Infrastructure builder, Rajendra Chaturvedi in 2010. The PMGP-Andheri east residents were relocated to this colony in 1991, after being displaced by the construction of the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR).
The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), the BMC and the fire department have been issuing notices to the residents for the last three years. However, they claim they have been waiting for the redevelopment to begin for the last nine years. “Back in 1991, the conditions of the allotted houses were poor. But now, it has worsened. A disaster is waiting to happen,” said a resident.
The Free Press Journal met a few residents of the PMGP-Andheri Housing Society Association who admitted it’s very dangerous to live in the buildings, but blame the builder. “We live in a state of fear daily, as we know any building can come down at any time. The builder must be held responsible.
Despite many promises, the builder has not initiated any redevelopment since 2010,” said another resident. A tripartite agreement was signed between Shreepati Infrastructure, PMGP (Andheri) Housing Society Association and the MHADA for redevelopment of this colony in 2010.
The MHADA even issued no objection certificates (NOCs) for the redevelopment in 2011, 2013 and 2016, but the orders lapsed since no work was initiated. The total area for the redevelopment is 25,000 square metres. “We have issued three NOCs to the builder, but they have lapsed since no work was undertaken within stipulated deadline.
We are issuing a fourth NOC on the request of the Housing Association, shortly. In fact, if the Housing Association approaches MHADA directly, we are ready to undertake the redevelopment of their buildings,” said Deependra Singh Kushwa, the chief officer, Mumbai board, MHADA. An official confirmed, the builder does not have money to take up the vast redevelopment. “He does not have sufficient funds, yet he signed for the project and is sitting on it ever since,” he said.
There have been a few developments over a week, when a meeting of Ravindra Waikar, Shiv Sena Minister of State for Housing, builder Chaturvedi and Kushwa was held. They clear said they will issue a final notice to Chaturvedi, else the MHADA will take over this redevelopment project.
“On demand of the Housing Association, one final notice will be sent to Chaturvedi. If he does not begin it in the stipulated period, the MHADA will take over the project,” said Waikar. Despite repeated calls and messages, the builder remained unavailable for comments.