Hindustan Times 17.11.2009
For slum-free cities, state govt appoints authorityThe state government has decided to appoint an authority, to be led by the chief minister, to ensure slum-free cities in Maharashtra.
The authority will undertake surveys of the slums, ensure affordable houses for the poor, coordinate with other central agencies in slum rehabilitation projects and establish a fund to finance such projects.
The decision on this regard was taken on Monday in the review meeting of the housing sector called by Chief Minister Ashok Chavan attended by officials from the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and Slum Rehabilitation Authority.
The slum rehabilitation project in the city has been moving at a snail’s pace for the last 13 years, with just 1.20 lakh families being rehabilitated till date.
The state government had promised to expedite the process and so these steps are being taken.
In addition, a separate directorate will be formed to oversee slum rehabilitation across all major cities in the state.
There will also be monthly reviews to keep track on the progress of the work.
All MHADA projects in state to get 2.5 FSI
During Monday’s meeting, Chavan also announced that all MHADA projects across the state would avail of 2.5 Floor Space Index (FSI), an incentive earlier limited to Mumbai and Thane. FSI is the ratio between the built up area allowed in building and plot area available to built it.
A detailed discussion was held on reconstruction of old, dilapidated buildings, formation of a regulatory body to cater to the grievances of home buyers, amendments in the Development Control regulations, easing of cluster development norms and methods to derive the maximum benefits of central schemes on housing.
