Nagpur, Dec 13 (NationPress) Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared in the state assembly on Saturday that the government has introduced a novel scheme aimed at making redevelopment initiatives viable and propelling the "Housing for All" mission in Mumbai, with a focus on zones previously limited by military and defence constraints.

In his address, the Chief Minister noted that redevelopment efforts in specific sectors of Greater Mumbai have been hindered due to various defence-related limitations, obstructing the renovation of buildings and the initiation of new housing projects.

The impacted regions, primarily in the western suburbs of Mumbai, encompass areas within the Fanal Zone, the Juhu Military Transmission Station, the Kandivali-Malad COD (Central Ordnance Depot) complex, and other lands situated near defence establishments.

Detailing the new scheme's characteristics, the Chief Minister emphasized that it is structured to facilitate future redevelopment projects and simplify the overall process.

“The government will offer free floor space index (FSI) for 300 sq ft units aimed at the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and also for tenements up to 600 sq ft for the Economically Backward Class (EBC) / Lower Income Group (LIG). Additional FSI incentives will be provided, while the fundamental FSI rights of original landowners will remain intact,” he revealed.

According to CM Fadnavis, any unconsumed FSI will be available as TDR (Transferable Development Rights), which can be sold to raise funds essential for redevelopment efforts.

“All existing incentives, premiums, and non-refundable benefits accrued under Regulations 33(9) or 33(10) will be preserved in this new scheme for Greater Mumbai. This initiative is anticipated to render previously infeasible redevelopment projects, such as those in the Juhu Military and Kandivali-Malad COD areas, viable, thereby providing significant relief to residents,” he added.

CM's announcement has been lauded by Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam, who asserted that this new scheme will facilitate much-needed redevelopment in the western suburbs of Mumbai.

As per urban development statistics, buildings located under the flight path of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), particularly in regions like Vile Parle, Santacruz, and Kurla, have historically encountered stringent height limitations, obstructing redevelopment ventures.

The height restrictions enforced by the high-frequency towers and signal stations of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the military have impeded redevelopment in areas like Juhu (D.N. Nagar) and Dahisar.

Redevelopment efforts adjacent to the Central Ordnance Depot (COD) complex in Kandivali and Malad have been stalled due to the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) 2011 guidelines, which restrict construction within 500 meters of defence facilities.