Mega Clusters: Maharashtra Greenlights Slum-Free Plan

The Maharashtra government has introduced a landmark policy aimed at accelerating Mumbai’s transition into a slum-free city by eliminating the requirement for individual slum dwellers’ consent in group redevelopment projects.

Under the new directive, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) will spearhead cluster redevelopment across contiguous land parcels of 50 acres or more, where at least 51% of the area is occupied by slums or informal structures. The policy applies to land owned by private parties, government and semi-government bodies, as well as hazardous buildings, chawls, and cessed properties. For the first time, Centrally owned land may also be included, subject to mandatory approvals.

Redevelopment of government-leased land will be permitted with compensation and compliance with DCPR 2034 norms. Slums located in CRZ-I and CRZ-II zones may be rehabilitated either in situ or within a five-kilometre radius, based on coastal regulations. Developers may be selected through PPP frameworks or open bidding, with preference given to those holding at least 40% ownership within the cluster. A high-level committee chaired by the Housing & Urban Development Department will oversee approvals and implementation.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.