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i) A pilot study on the redevelopment
of cessed buildings in Mumbai was conducted by MTSU. It covered Girgaum, Null Bazar
(C Ward), Bora Bazaar (A ward), and Parsi Colony (Dadar) and attempted to look at
the problems of reconstruction of old and dilapidated buildings in these areas.
The study advocated cluster development as the best alternative to the present policy
of individual buildings on small plots. As a follow-up action based on the conclusions
of the study, an advertisement was issued in newspapers inviting ‘Expression
of Interest for Urban Renewal Scheme’ in the island city. The criteria
for the eligibility of the proposal were as follows:
- Minimum area of a cluster shall be 10 ha (25 acres).
- The selected area shall have well-defined boundaries and mixed land use.
- The selected area shall preferably have a population of around 10,000 people.
- The selected areas shall preferably have a large number of old and dilapidated properties,
which are in need of re-development.
In response to the advertisement, five proposals from different parts of the island
city were received. The respondents made presentations to the housing secretary
and secretary (special projects). These proposals will be placed before a
technical committee being formed to select one project as a pilot.
ii) A study on the redevelopment of BDD Chawls
at Worli is under way and will be part of Phase II. A socio-economic study
and a technical study are being conducted in order to comprehend the present scenario
which could help devise a redevelopment policy for BDD chawls. The BDD chawls are
located at four sites, namely N.M. Joshi Marg at Parel, Worli, Sewri and at Naigaon.
iii) Rehabilitation of pavement dwellers:
MTSU undertook a study and conducted a pilot choosing the pavements of the two major
arteries of the city—P D’Mello Road and Senapati Bapat Marg. The rehabilitation
of pavement dwellers on both these roads is substantially completed. MCGM is now
in the process of carrying out the survey of P D’Mello road. Since P.D’Mello
Road is an MUIP road, the cut-off date of January 1, 2000 for rehabilitating the
pavement dwellers has been applied. As the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus abuts this
road, this road has high commercial potential. A master plan of this area will be
prepared taking into consideration all related issues of road beautification, parking
facilities, etc.
iv) Review of Slum Rehabilitation Scheme (SRA):
Several rounds of discussions have been held by MTSU with NGOs and stakeholders
to assess the slum policy and rehabilitation schemes. Alternatives to the current
model of free housing have been theorized at length including proposal to incentivise
a slum rehabilitation scheme. MTSU has sought information from all corporators of
Mumbai about their electoral ward based on the set of questions prepared by MTSU.
To date, 12 corporators have responded. Their study is being analyzed by expert
consultants so as to short-list a cluster to be developed with the consent of the
local residents.
v) Rental housing:
MTSU has been actively working with agencies like MMRDA and an NGO, SPARC, to build
rental housing capacity. The construction of a few thousand such houses by SPARC
is under way while MMRDA has agreed to construct a pilot project of rental housing.
vi) Repeal of the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act:
The act was held responsible for the freeze on housing space in the city. With its
repeal, one of the promises of MTSU has been fulfilled.
vii) A single authority for all transport-related issues of
the city:
The United Mumbai Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMMTA) was formed on February
12, 2008, through a Government Resolution.
viii) Creating jobs through modern–format retailing:
The MTSU has created 24 courses for the IT sector, three for the construction sector
and one for the retail sector in consultation with experts from industries from
each of these sectors. The courses have been approved by the Maharashtra government.
xi) Cleanliness campaign:
The Chakachak campaign met with great success. There is a perceptible difference
in the city as a result of the campaign, that has been noticed by local citizens
and outsiders alike.
x) Mumbai Development Fund:
The draft act for a Mumbai Development Fund has been prepared and discussed in the
core group with the CAG. A number of meetings has been held by MTSU in this regard.
The draft is likely to be finalized soon. There is some dilemma over whether the
fund should vest with the government or the Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC).
The matter is taking time because of divergence of views on this point.
- The beautification of Marine Drive includes refurbishment of the area from Nariman
Point Lands End to Tambe Chowk. Phase I of this project has been completed. This
includes construction of sea wall parapet with granite cladding, paving the West
promenade, improvement under the flyover, redesign of BEST bus stops, improvement
of Central verge, paving the East footpath, eco-walk near Gymkhana, street furniture
and signage; and landscaping.
- Taraporevala Aquarium is being modernized and taken to sixth generation.
- IMS Vikrant is being converted into a commercially viable museum ship on public-private
partnership basis.
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