Self-redevelopment takes off in Mumbai

The state housing authority (Mhada) is set to clear two proposals of Shatabdi society at Kannamwar Nagar, Vikhroli, and Orion society in Charkop to redevelop their properties themselves without a builder. In self-redevelopment, residents themselves reap the construction bonanza earlier enjoyed by the builder. Societies appoint their own architect, contractor and project management consultant to execute the project. On the third floor of the Mhada headquarters in Bandra (east), a special redevelopment cell has been formed to assist housing societies that are keen to go it alone. Societies which have so far submitted self-redevelopment proposals are all located on Mhada land and will avail of a development control regulation meant for redevelopment of Mhada properties. The state government increased the floor space index for redevelopment of Mhada societies from 2.5 to 3. Several of these societies are working with global property consultant Knight Frank India, which will act as a project management consultant.