BMC to maintain open Mhada plots

To save open plots that belong to the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) from encroachments, the state is planning to hand them over to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for maintenance.

Minister of state for housing Ravindra Waikar on Monday told the state legislative council, “There are several illegal constructions on Mhada plots and so far 77 plots have been saved from encroachments. But there is a need to hand over these plots to the BMC for proper maintenance. In this context, a meeting will soon be summoned along with BMC commissioner and officials of development planning (DP). These Mhada plots will be maintained according to their reservations.”

The issue of encroachments on Mhada plots was raised by the NCP legislator Kiran Pawaskar, who said, “The Mhada has spent more than '18 crore on the maintenance of these plots. However, despite spending crore of rupees, 48 plots are still occupied by encroachments. Had these encroachments been prevented, it would have enabled Mhada to implement SRA scheme to provide tenements to poor people.”

Replying to him, Mr Waikar said, “The Mhada has undertaken several measures to prevent encroachments in Mhada colonies, which have come up after the year 2000. Under this, it has appointed security companies for the security of plots. Protection walls are also being constructed around these open plots. The BMC has also been asked to take action against the encroachments under the MRTP act.”

According to the state data, there are 1,256 Mhada colonies, 104 layouts and 5,000 buildings in Mumbai.