After Over 70 Years State Cabinet Approves Rebuilding 25 Refugee Buildings In Sion-Koliwada
The State Cabinet has approved rebuilding 25 buildings that served as a refugee camp for Sikh, Sindhi, and Punjabi Families in the Sion-Koliwada region. The BMC declared those buildings as ‘dilapidated’ in 2011 and since then is sending notice as well. The decision to rebuild these structures was taken in the Cabinet meeting held on February 14.
Numerous tenants lacked original documentation. Ultimately, they came together to form the Guru Tegh Bahadur Cooperative Housing Society, and their name was used for the conveyance. Things got easier after the land was handed over to the society. Scattered throughout 25 buildings and 41,500 square metres, there are 1,200 renters. MHADA has been designated as the special planning authority by the state.
After Partition, in 1948, residents of the Sion Koliwada refugee camp moved to India from Pakistan. The GTB Nagar buildings were constructed in the 1950s and 1960s to shelter these people. Many citizens have moved during the last two years, taking up residence in rented homes in Panvel, Kharghar, Thane, and Vashi, which are located on the outskirts of the city.
BJP MLC Prasad Lad stated, “The redevelopment of these buildings has been a long-pending issue. Three years ago, the BMC demolished these buildings, but no builder was interested in taking on the job. Devendra Fadnavis was the one who took charge when our administration came into power. The structures were moved under the housing society’s name, and MHADA will develop this area similarly to BDD Chawls.
“The redevelopment proposed is through a construction & redevelopment agency and will be a win-win situation for the societies and MHADA both, as the redevelopment will be a comprehensive and integrated one, taking into account all the infrastructure requirements. In accordance with Development Control Promotion laws, Section 33(9), the flats will also have larger sizes. Through a tender, the construction and rehabilitation agency will be chosen,” stated the Housing Department Additional Chief Secretary Valsa Nair.
