MMRDA, SRA, maintenance, housing”>
MUMBAI, June 20, 2025
Slum Rehab Project Sparks Concerns
A shorter maintenance period than required raises questions.
- MMRDA commits to only two years of maintenance for rehab buildings.
- SRA requires ten years of maintenance for such projects.
- Concerns raised about potential for buildings to become “vertical slums.”
The Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamraj Nagar slum redevelopment project in Ghatkopar is in the spotlight, as the maintenance period for this slum rehabilitation is just two years, a point of contention for many.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Progress Authority (MMRDA) is venturing into slum rehabilitation with this project. However, itS only committed to maintaining the 11 buildings for two years, instead of the ten years mandated by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).
this ₹8,498-crore project, spanning 31.83 hectares, aims to rehabilitate 16,575 tenements. Each family will receive a 300 sq ft one-bedroom apartment. The development will also include gardens, healthcare centers, and schools, plus 5,000 apartments for people displaced by infrastructure projects.
MMRDA invited bids from developers on Thursday for the first phase,which involves 6,144 units. The project will proceed in two phases.
Revised Standards
The SRA increased the maintenance criteria for slum rehabilitation projects from three to ten years in February 2024. This change followed a fire in Unnat Nagar, Goregaon, that killed seven and injured 62. The extended maintenance period aims to ensure better building quality.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project buildings will also be maintained for ten years by Navbharat mega Developers, a collaboration between the Government of Maharashtra and the Adani Group.
Did you know? The “defect liability period” (DLP) refers to the timeframe during which a developer is responsible for fixing any defects in construction.
Concerns Arise
Even before construction begins, the two-year maintenance period for the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamraj Nagar project is raising eyebrows. MMRDA documents reveal that the developer will only maintain the buildings for two years under the “defect liability period” (DLP).
The document states the developer must “complete the work and carry out testing & commissioning within 36 months inclusive of monsoon period + 24 months DLP for contractor’s work”.
“For a developer, DLP is not a big deal. The buildings themselves will survive for a few decades; the challenge is always waterproofing. The developer must maintain the buildings for a minimum ten years,” said architect Nitin Killawala.
The risk of “vertical slums”
According to Killawala, failure to maintain buildings properly equates to a failure to provide adequate housing. “Water seepage could become a big issue, which is why a standard norm of ten years should be followed,” he added, saying that poorly maintained buildings would turn into vertical slums.
Attempts to reach Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee for comment were unsuccessful.
swift fact: The Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamraj Nagar slum redevelopment project aims to rehabilitate 16,575 tenements.
The Long-Term Cost of Short-Term Maintenance
The two-year maintenance commitment by MMRDA for the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamraj Nagar slum redevelopment raises a crucial question: What happens after the “defect liability period” ends? While the developer is responsible for addressing construction defects for two years, the ongoing upkeep of the buildings falls on someone else. This could be a co-operative housing society formed by the residents, a private agency, or, in some cases, the SRA itself.
However, the actual quality of building maintenance often boils down to available funds and resident participation. The lack of adequate maintenance can and does lead to a decline in living conditions. This directly contradicts the project’s goal; to uplift and provide better housing. Poor maintenance can quickly erode the initial investment,creating long-term issues. These range from aesthetic problems to critical structural damage, along with health hazards caused by mold and water damage.
Architect Nitin Killawala highlights a critical issue. Water seepage is a primary threat, and if not addressed can seriously compromise a building’s structural integrity. this, in turn, impacts resident safety and significantly diminishes property value.
Given the complexities and potential pitfalls, here’s a look at key considerations and strategies for ensuring long-term building upkeep:
- Establishment of a Cooperative Housing Society (CHS): A CHS is critical. It allows residents to collectively manage finances, maintenance responsibilities, and address any building-related grievances within the building.
- Reserve funds: Adequate financial planning is crucial. A portion of the maintenance fees should be allocated to a reserve fund. this fund acts as a safety net. It helps cover major repairs, replacements, or unforeseen issues.
- Regular Inspections and Maintenance Schedules: Developing and adhering to a maintenance schedule and regular, professional inspections, is essential. This can help to detect and address problems early before thay become costly.
- Resident Education and Engagement: Educate residents about the importance of proper maintenance, addressing issues promptly, and their role in the upkeep of their homes. Promote their active participation in society meetings and decision-making processes.
- Professional Property Management: For larger buildings or those with complex needs,consider hiring a professional property management company. their expertise can streamline maintenance processes and ensure transparency.
What happens if proper maintenance is neglected? Deterioration in the building’s structural integrity and health issues frequently occur. The value of the homes plummets and the living conditions quickly decline.
How can residents protect their investment? Residents must actively participate in their CHS, insist on regular inspections, and build a healthy reserve fund.
The debate over the project’s maintenance period and the potential rise of “vertical slums” underscores the need for a extensive approach to slum redevelopment.It’s not just about constructing new buildings. It is indeed also about ensuring their long-term sustainability and creating truly improved living conditions for all residents.
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