• Regulatory
• 1 min read

Mhada seeks FIR against 23 developers for violating inclusive housing norms, police yet to initiate process

Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority has taken a stand against 23 developers who allegedly defaulted on transferring land designated for affordable housing. This failure reportedly violates inclusive housing laws, raising significant regulatory concerns. While Mhada has called upon the police for intervention, action remains pending, with the next steps hinging on further discussions between Mhada and police officials.

Police commissioner Pravin Pawar said, “The letter received from Mhada has been sent to crime branch. Further action will be taken after holding a meeting with the housing authority.”

In a letter dated Oct 9, Mhada chief officer Vaibhav Kedare had urged city police to register offences against developers linked to five building permissions and 18 layout approvals. According to Mhada, the developers allegedly failed to transfer plots or flats earmarked under the state’s inclusive housing scheme, depriving govt of housing stock meant for public welfare.

Under the scheme, developers undertaking projects on private plots larger than 4,000sqm within municipal limits are required to reserve 20% of the project area for inclusive housing. Mhada’s scrutiny found that several developers neither initiated nor completed the transfer of designated properties to the authority, allegedly flouting mandatory provisions.

The housing authority has sought criminal proceedings in the first phase, alleging that the developers effectively cheated govt by withholding plots and flats that were required to be handed over to Mhada.

The proposed crackdown is significant as the inclusive housing policy is aimed at ensuring a share of private real estate development is reserved for affordable housing. The next course of action will depend on discussions between Mhada and police.