MUMBAI – Thousands of residents living in older buildings across Maharashtra may soon find a way out of a long-standing legal trap. The state government has officially formed a 12-member committee to solve a major problem: how to rebuild houses that are stuck near river “flood lines.”
For years, many families living in cities like Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Kolhapur have wanted to renovate or rebuild their aging homes. However, they were stopped by rules introduced in 2009. These rules marked certain areas as “flood zones,” meaning no new construction could happen there. Even though many of these buildings were built legally decades before the rules existed, they were suddenly labeled as “stuck,” making it impossible for builders to start new projects.
What is the problem?
The main issue involves something called Transfer of Development Rights (TDR). In simple terms, TDR is like a coupon that developers use to build extra floors or bigger structures. Under current laws, this “coupon” cannot be used for buildings located within a river’s flood line. Because developers cannot build enough to make a profit, they often refuse to take on these old redevelopment projects. As a result, residents are left living in old, crumbling structures with no way to improve them.
The government’s plan
To fix this, the state government has appointed a committee of experts from the town planning, environment, and irrigation departments. This team has two main tasks:
- A fresh survey: They will re-examine the river flood lines across the state to see if they were marked accurately. Many experts believe the old maps were not drawn correctly, leading to unnecessary restrictions on safe land.
- Changing the rules: The panel will suggest changes to the state’s building laws. The goal is to allow developers to use TDR for these specific old properties, provided they meet certain safety standards.
Mixed reactions
While homeowners are celebrating this as a “major relief,” environmentalists are urging caution. Experts suggest that while redevelopment is necessary, the government must ensure that people are not put at higher risk of flooding. Some suggest that instead of just building bigger houses in the same spot, the government should look into moving people to safer, nearby locations through relocation plans.
The committee has been given a tight deadline of two months to submit its report. If the recommendations are accepted, it could pave the way for a massive wave of construction, giving a new lease on life to thousands of families who have been waiting for years to see their dream homes become a reality.
Also read – Secure your dream home: MHADA opens applications for 118 flats in Mumbai
Disclaimer – This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should consult with official government guidelines or professionals before making any property-related decisions.
Source – ET Realty
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