Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 5: The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) has announced the long-pending redevelopment of four unsafe transit buildings at Pratiksha Nagar in Sion, following sustained concerns raised by residents over structural safety.

Mhada has scrapped its earlier proposal to construct Middle Income Group (MIG) sale buildings at the site and instead decided to build new transit accommodation. The move will benefit 261 families and four shop owners residing in transit building numbers 36, 37, 53 and 54.

According to Mhada, two new buildings comprising stilt plus 22 floors will be constructed, providing a total of 322 transit tenements. Eligible residents will be rehabilitated in the new buildings, with the redevelopment project expected to be completed within a period of two years.

In an official press note, the housing agency stated that the existing buildings had developed serious structural cracks due to an underground water pipeline passing beneath them.

Following complaints from residents, a structural audit was conducted through IIT Bombay, which recommended redevelopment of the buildings.

Until completion of the new transit buildings, Mhada has assured residents of temporary alternative accommodation along with rent support.

Mhada Vice-President and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal said the authority has accepted residents’ long-standing demand for rehabilitation within the same housing layout, adding that the decision aims to ensure safety while addressing housing concerns of the affected families.