Maharashtra Offers ₹20,000 Monthly Rent Aid For Mumbai's Dilapidated Building Residents

In a significant move to ease the redevelopment process of old and dilapidated buildings in Mumbai’s suburbs, the Maharashtra government has decided to offer Rs20,000 monthly rent assistance to residents living in such dangerous structures. The announcement was made by minister Ashish Shelar during a meeting of the Mumbai suburban district planning committee held at Chetana College in Bandra on Friday.

The committee approved a budget of Rs1,088 crore for district development projects. One of the key topics discussed was the urgent need for redevelopment of aging buildings across the suburbs, many of which pose serious safety risks to residents.

To address potential landslides during the monsoon, the government has also decided to install mass nets in vulnerable areas. Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) will handle the installation in locations where retaining walls are less than 9 meters high, while the Public Works Department will manage taller structures.

The committee also focused on improving infrastructure in tribal hamlets, with Shelar emphasising the need to fully utilise funds allocated under tribal development schemes. He noted that the state has ordered a population survey of tribal communities to support precise planning. A comprehensive development blueprint will be created to ensure the provision of roads, electricity, water supply, and sanitation in these areas.
Additionally, a resolution was passed to exclude the Ketkipada area home to around 80,000 residents from the recently declared extended forest zone of Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

MLA Pravin Darekar moved the resolution, arguing that the residents, who have long lacked access to basic facilities, should be rehabilitated at the same location. The issue will now be pursued with the state government, the Centre, and the judiciary. The meeting was attended by suburban Mumbai MLAs, MPs, and senior government officials.