COVID-19 is a blessing in disguise, says Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad

The NCP leader assured support to developers in SRA and MHADA redevelopment, promised decisive action in 15 days

Maharashtra Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad on Wednesday assured a group of developers that he would like to implement a regime that would give all construction permissions within a period of 30 days and they would be deemed to be given thereafter.

Speaking at a webinar organised by Brihanmumbai Developers Association, Mumbai comprising of developers specializing in SRA and MHADA redevelopment projects, Awhad said, “COVID-19 crisis is a time of hardship. We will all have to join hands. Let's use this tragedy as an opportunity, a blessing in disguise. We will have to think about slums, MHADA colonies, and redevelopment. SRA and MHADA will have to facilitate the builders to not only survive but grow. Until the housing industry starts flourishing, Mumbai and the entire MMR cannot flourish. Certain concessions will have to be considered. If we can't give permission in 30 days, provisional permission should be given.”

Awhad, who had tested positive for COVID_19 before fully recovering from the illness, said the Maha Vikas Agadi government would transform the health infrastructure in Dharavi and other slums and MHADA colonies. He said he had appointed a nine-member expert committee headed by Dr Shashank Joshi to upgrade the health infrastructure in these clusters under redevelopment projects in Dharavi, Kamathipura, and Govandi.

Awhad said the housing and construction industry played an important role in boosting Mumbai’s economy and use this COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to initiate this change. “76 percent of Mumbai’s land is utilised by 60 lakh people, and another 60 lakh live in the remaining 24 percent. This discrepancy, inequality needs to be removed,” he said.

Awhad said he was aware that the housing industry needed certain concessions and support of the government over the next two years. “Unless the housing industry flourishes, Mumbai will not flourish,” he said. He asked the BDA office bearers to submit its list of recommendations and demands, and promised to take a decision on the demand within 15 days.

BDA vice president Harissh Jain said the association pledged support to the government and would be happy to participate in a joint meeting with SRA and MHADA officials chaired by Awhad. The BDA has been demanding a reduction in all premiums and charges by a flat 50 percent and an interest-free moratorium period of one year for deferred the premium payments. The association also wants online approval systems in MHADA and SRA and fixed timelines for approvals in both housing bodies.

Speaking about his hospitalisation in a Mulund hospital due to COVID-19, Awhad said though he was warned, it was his recklessness that led to his infection. He said his daughter Natasha was now efficiently monitoring his health and diet regimes.