Mumbai property set to get 647 acre boost; Buildings may rise within 50 mtr of sea

The Central Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has issued a draft proposal with an amendment in the coastal regulations zone (CRZ) notification of 2011, permitting development up to 50 metres away from the coastline against the earlier 500-metre rule. This decision will pave way for the redevelopment of over 647-acre of sea-facing slum-occupied land in Mumbai. The MoEF’s appointed Dr Shailesh Nayak committee has recommended changes in the CRZ notification of 2011. “The central ministry of environment and forest has invited suggestions and objections from various state holders within 60 days. Once this procedure is completed, a final decision will be taken,” the notification stated. A copy of the notification is with DNA.

Prakash Mehta, housing minister told DNA that amendment in the CRZ will help to develop 647-acre of slum land along the city’s coast. “The city 1.32 lakh slums, home to 6-6.5 lakh slum dwellers are situated on this 647-acre land parcel. It will not only help us give new houses to the slum dwellers but also generate additional housing stock, which can be sold on the open market. In Konkan, many people could not repair or construct their houses along the coast. The amended CRZ rule will bring relief to them,” Mehta said.

Pankaj Joshi, executive director, Urban Development Research Institute (UDRI) said that Mumbai is already congested with the increased floor space index. “The amendment to CRZ will only add to the mess. We need controlled and sustainable development. The sea level is rising due to global warming; staying close to the sea and destroying its natural ecosystem will be dangerous. Also, a recent study by doctors has revealed that the congested development in Mumbai city is leading to the spread of TB and the contagious infection,” said Joshi.

However, Manju Yagnik, vice-chairperson of Nahar Group welcomed the decision. She said that Mumbai is an island city and it’s time we used the beauty of the sea. “The restriction in CRZ was blocking the redevelopment of the old and crumbling buildings and slums. The seacoast can be used for the residential and tourism purpose,” she said.

(By Sudhir Suryawanshi, DNA)