Nagpur, Dec 11 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Thursday in the state Assembly that as the elections for the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) approach, a distinct set of regulations will be implemented to ensure the effective and just redevelopment of 'Pagadi' buildings, ultimately achieving a 'Pagadi' free Mumbai.

Shinde emphasized the protection of the rights of both tenants and landlords.

He highlighted that there are over 19,000 cessed buildings, referred to as 'Pagadi' buildings, which were constructed before 1960.

While several of these structures have undergone redevelopment, many others have fallen into disrepair or even collapsed.

Currently, more than 13,000 buildings are pending redevelopment.

“Tenants residing in these buildings are shielded under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act. The legal status of the structures, tenancies, and agreements is recognized, and the government enacted the Rent Control Act to protect tenant interests. However, landlords frequently argue that the tenants' right to rehabilitation prevents them from receiving fair compensation for their property rights. This has led to numerous pending disputes between tenants and landlords in the Small Causes Court, hindering the redevelopment of 'Pagadi' buildings,” stated Deputy CM Shinde.

He underscored the necessity for rightful and fair redevelopment, which must also consider the interests of both tenants and landlords.

He pointed out that simply providing FSI (floor space index) is insufficient for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG); measures must also be taken to cover the expenses of their free reconstruction.

A specific set of regulations will be created for this objective, he noted.

“The proposed regulations will involve FSI that corresponds to the carpet area currently occupied by the tenants. Original FSI will be allocated to the landowners. Additionally, incentive FSI will be granted to 'Pagadi' occupants (EWS/LIG) to finance their free reconstruction. If the complete utilization of these three types of FSI is not feasible due to limitations like height restrictions or other challenges, the remaining FSI will be made accessible through Transferable Development Rights (TDR),” Deputy CM Shinde elaborated.

“These regulations aim to facilitate the redevelopment of antiquated 'Pagadi' system buildings, averting their collapse and the resultant loss of life and property. Existing redevelopment options, such as 33(7) and 33(9)

“Moreover, around 28,000 unresolved cases between tenants and landlords in these buildings have entangled many families in legal issues for decades. To expedite redevelopment, these conflicts must be addressed. Sufficient additional Fast-Track Courts will be established with the prior approval of the High Court. The aim is to resolve all cases within the next three years,” Deputy CM Shinde concluded.

This initiative is set to provide rightful, ownership-based homes to countless Mumbaikars currently living under the 'Pagadi' system.

Significantly, Deputy CM Shinde assured that neither tenants nor landlords will be subjected to injustice, and the state government is dedicated to removing any further obstacles in this endeavor.