City slum structures have grown 40% since 1995: State

Mumbai: Slum structures in Mumbai have grown by nearly 40% since 1995, as per the state's latest data. An inventory created on the basis of electoral rolls has revealed that there were 10.58 lakh slum structures till 1995. 

    Civic and collectorate officials have conveyed that this number has now crossed the 14.5 lakh mark. In June this year, CM Prithviraj Chavan, who also handles the housing portfolio, had asked officials from the BMC and the collector's office to create a detailed inventory of pre-1995 and post-1995 slum structures on the basis of electoral rolls. He ordered the inventory to find a solution for the slum problem in Mumbai. 
    The Centre has kick-started a 'slum-free' India plan. With Mumbai hosting the most number of slum structures, a concrete and sustainable plan for the city holds the key to the mission's success. On Tuesday, Chavan is expected to convene a crucial meeting, where solutions to certain roadblocks will also be discussed. 
    Based on the latest inventory, Chavan is expected to take a final view on a proposal for recognizing a slum dweller's right to transfer a slum structure. In the run-up to the civic polls, Chavan had announced a decision to relax the eligibility criteria for slum dwellers in new redevelopment projects. While existing development control regulations allow only the original inhabitant of a pre-1995 slum structure to be rehabilitated, an amendment was 
proposed to the rules allowing new occupiers (including those who settled after the January 1, 1995 cut-off date) of such structures to be rehabilitated upon payment of transfer fee. 
    Even as the state invited suggestions on the move, the office of the advocate general advised it to refer the matter to the Supreme Court, where a case regarding slum cut-off is pending. The state administration is of the view that it can implement the move. Officials said Chavan could take a decision in this matter.