Mumbai

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Monday was informed that the Government of Maharashtra is committed to completing the long-delayed redevelopment of Patra Chawl and resolving issues faced by residents.

State minister Shambhuraj Desai said the government will ensure the project’s completion and the handover of homes to eligible beneficiaries.

Siddharth Nagar, popularly known as Patra Chawl in Goregaon, is spread across 47 acres and houses 672 tenant families.

In 2008, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) awarded the redevelopment contract to Guru Ashish Construction Pvt Ltd, a sister concern of the now-defunct Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd (HDIL).

Under the project plan, the developer was to construct 672 flats for tenants and additional units for MHADA, while being allowed to sell the remaining land for private development.

The issue was raised in the House through a calling attention notice by Vidya Thakur of the Bharatiya Janata Party, prompting a discussion in which members highlighted that the redevelopment has remained unresolved for nearly 18 years.

Desai said the government has processed all relevant documents and officials are ready to hold meetings with stakeholders to resolve pending issues. He added that complaints regarding space and leakage in some units will be investigated.

He also noted that some individuals had approached the Bombay High Court, contributing to delays, and referred to interference by local vested interests.

According to the minister, construction work is governed by civil contracts with a five-year defect liability period, while structural or litigated issues fall under a ten-year liability clause in the agreement.

Opposition members, however, described the redevelopment as a “classic case of corruption”, alleging that although buildings have been constructed, many flats remain unoccupied due to incomplete civil work, wiring and lifts.

They also criticised the government for failing to implement the 2021 “Triple-A” agreement between MHADA, builders and residents, and demanded a committee and a special investigation team (SIT) probe to address the concerns of affected beneficiaries.

Several legislators further called for a special meeting during the ongoing assembly session to address grievances of residents who have been on hunger strike for the past four days and to ensure proper rehabilitation of displaced families.

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Desai said authorities are ready to facilitate possession whenever beneficiaries come forward, but in some cases local disputes and resistance have prevented residents from moving into the completed units.