Mumbai, March 30 (NationPress) In an effort to make Mumbai a slum-free metropolis, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, revealed the launch of the Hinduhrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Urban Public Welfare Initiative on Monday.

This program is designed to expedite slum redevelopment while incorporating the innovative NETRAM (Network for Encroachment Tracking and Reporting for Mumbai) system to curb new illegal encroachments.

Shinde emphasized that this important initiative, unveiled in the centenary year of Balasaheb Thackeray's birth, is a tribute to the late leader's aspirations for the city.

The state government’s action is anticipated to significantly enhance the slum redevelopment process, enabling residents to transition into better-equipped and secure housing.

“We are committed to fulfilling Balasaheb Thackeray’s vision of a slum-free Mumbai through this campaign,” he stated.

As outlined by the Deputy Chief Minister, the campaign will focus on clusters exceeding 50 acres where more than 51% of the land is classified as slum. The Slum Cluster Redevelopment Scheme will be executed by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority across substantial private, government, and semi-government lands.

Precise mapping alongside biometric verification of all slum residents will be carried out. Agreements will be established with entities such as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, and MAHAPREIT to facilitate smooth execution, he noted.

In a significant development for residents, the government has opted to increase the minimum size of rehabilitated housing units. Every eligible resident will now be entitled to receive apartments measuring 300 sq ft.

Moreover, existing older projects will also be renovated to comply with these updated standards. To ensure the prevention of new slums in Mumbai, the government is set to implement the NETRAM system, the Deputy Chief Minister stated.

“This system will leverage satellite technology, Geographic Information System mapping, and digital tools to monitor land use. High-resolution satellite images will be examined three times annually (every four months) to promptly identify any new constructions. Data on encroachments will be transmitted to the appropriate agencies via the BISAG-N web portal for immediate demolition,” he added.

The Slum Rehabilitation Authority has formed an independent implementation cell, directing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority, and Collector’s offices to develop similar units.

As redevelopment initiatives transition towards high-rise structures, the government has revamped the maintenance deposit system to guarantee the long-term viability of these buildings.