FIRs Registered Against 33 Builders in Mumbai
Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan
Housing agency files FIR against 33 builders for denying land
Naresh Kamath, Hindustan Times
Mumbai, March 05, 2011
The state housing board has lodged a first information report (FIR) against 33 builders, who have allegedly deprived it of 1.52 lakh sqft area of tenements. Around 385 flats, measuring 400 sqft each, could be built on this 1.52 lakh sqft area, where families who have been languishing in transit camp for decades could be rehabilitated.
Sachin Ahir, state minister for housing, said the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) was forced to take this step because of the “stubborn attitude of the builders”.
“Despite constant reminders, these builders did not return the land,” said Ahir.
Among the errant builders are Shivalik Ventures, Sumer and Associates, Arvind Properties, Oscar Builders, Sanghvi Estate and Constructions, Sneha Builders and Siddhivinayak Constructions
Ahir said the Development Control Regulations 33 (7) governing redevelopment of old dilapidated buildings clearly state that builders have to hand over a certain portion of constructed tenements when their incentives cross a certain limit.
Officials from the state housing board said many builders have sold the Mhada portion to make profits.
The builders are upset. Mhada has no authority to demand such houses, said Ramakant Jadhav, director of Shivalik Ventures. “It is an illegal demand made just to harass us. We have already moved the high court,” he added.
Housing activists said the state should do more than just file an FIR.
“These builders should be blacklisted and prevented from undertaking any projects until they fulfill Mhada demands,” said Santosh Duandkar, convenor of Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao organisation, which seeks low-cost housing for the economically weak