MUMBAI: The Malwani building collapse which claimed 12 lives has highlighted the urgency for Mhada to step in and take over the task of redeveloping old and dilapidated buildings in Mumbai, according to Shiv Sena MP from South Mumbai Arvind Sawant.
In letters sent to President Ram Nath Kovind and PM Narendra Modi, Sawant has emphasised the need for the Centre to approve the bill passed by the Maharashtra legislature empowering Mhada to take over cessed buildings in the city for redevelopment.
The amendments were passed last year after the collapse of two cessed buildings in South Mumbai.
Disputes between tenants, landlords and developers often result in no redevelopment for years.
Sawant has pointed out the bill was passed by both houses in September 2020 and has been pending approval, so the Maharashtra government is helpless and not in a position to carry out either repair or redevelopment of cessed buildings.
He has also mentioned that the city has nearly 16,000 cessed buildings, which are in a dilapidated condition, while a few are on MbPT, NTC and LIC land.
These are neither repaired nor redeveloped, and Mhada is not allowed to carry out redevelopment, he has stated.
Sawant has said the Bombay high court had taken suo motu cognisance of the Malwani incident and ordered a judicial probe.
This proves how approval of the amended Act is essential and important, the Sena MP has stated.
Sawant has mentioned the bill’s provisions empowering Mhada to take over a building and complete development.
Consent of 51% residents is needed for redevelopment, and Mhada provides compensation to the land/building owner, and the Act lays down rules to complete the procedure.