'Maha govt may use non-development zones for affordable homes'

To achieve its target of providing 11 lakh affordable homes, the Maharashtra government may consider utilising non-development zones for this purpose, state Housing Minister Prakash Mehta said.
The government has set an ambitious target of constructing 11 lakh affordable houses in Mumbai and its metropolitan area and seven lakh outside.
"We want to develop affordable homes on a large scale. We are considering using salt pan lands, defence zones and 350 acre land at the Mumbai Port Trust. However, if we need more land, we will also consider utilising NDZ land for creating mass housing," he said at the four-days property exhibition organised by MCHI-Credai.

Assuring full support to the developers' community, Mehta said the government is working towards providing approvals for housing projects within 30 days.
"Developers' another concern is environment clearance. I will be meeting Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar next month to discuss about the environment norms and how approvals can be received in less time," Mehta said adding, "Developers will have to focus on creating affordable housing stock.