Mumbaikars take up self-redevelopment of old apartments

In a new initiative, a number of cooperative housing societies in Mumbai have taken it upon themselves the task of redeveloping their apartments.

The Mumbai District Central Cooperative Bank (MDCCB) is also encouraging the initiative by extending loans for the task.

Around half-a-dozen societies in the city have got the go-ahead for self-redevelopment from the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), an official said.

The MDCCB has also sanctioned loans to eight societies, a MHADA official said, adding that around 500 housing societies have shown the interest in re-developing their old flats.

Over 30,000 residential buildings in the megacity are 30 to 80 years' old and in need of re-development.

Saidham society (building No. 149) at Pantnagar in suburban Ghatkopar has secured 80 per cent approval of works from MHADA and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The society's secretary, Shripad Mordekar, said, "Our building is 52 years' old and has 32 members. We have got an offer letter from the MHADA for re-development and will submit it to the BMC soon. After re-development, each house owner would get a 1,000 sq ft flat against the present 220 sq ft."