Why MHADA Is Pushing for Redevelopment of Cessed Buildings in Mumbai’s Island City

Walk through Mumbai’s charming island city, and you’ll come across vintage buildings that whisper tales from generations past. But behind their old-world charm, many of these structures are more than just outdated—they’re unsafe. That’s exactly why the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is calling for urgent action.

In a bid to revitalize the heart of Mumbai while ensuring safety and better living standards, MHADA has urged the redevelopment of dilapidated cessed buildings. So, what’s really going on? Why is redevelopment so crucial now? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Are Cessed Buildings, and Why Are They a Concern?

You might be thinking—what’s a cessed building anyway? Simply put, these are old residential buildings, mostly located in the Mumbai island city, that were constructed before 1940. Owners of these buildings pay a special tax called “cess” to MHADA for repair and maintenance.

But here’s the catch: many of these buildings have aged so poorly that they pose a huge risk to the people living in them. Think leaking roofs, cracked walls, and in some extreme cases—buildings collapsing.

MHADA’s recent appeal highlights just how serious this issue is, especially with the monsoon season around the corner. It’s not just a matter of comfort. It’s a question of life and death for thousands of families.

MHADA’s Call to Action: Redevelop, Don’t Repair

Instead of relying on patchwork repairs, MHADA is pushing for the complete redevelopment of these structures. And their reasoning? Repairs only provide temporary relief. Redevelopment, on the other hand, offers long-term solutions—new buildings with better amenities and safer environments.

Here are some reasons MHADA believes redevelopment is the way forward:

• Safety First: Many of these buildings are structurally unstable and can’t be fixed with minor repairs.
• Cost-Effective: Maintaining old buildings is more expensive in the long run than building anew.
• Modern Infrastructure: Redeveloped buildings come with lifts, fire safety measures, and modern amenities like water tanks and parking areas.
• More Space: Often, more housing units can be developed on the same plot, helping to accommodate more families.

Why Has Progress Been So Slow?

Despite numerous policies aimed at revamping Mumbai’s aging infrastructure, progress has been sluggish. Why? Several hurdles stand in the way:

• Red Tape: Approvals from multiple agencies can delay projects by months—sometimes even years.
• Developer Hesitation: Developers often shy away due to tight profit margins and the complexities of dealing with tenants in these buildings.
• Lack of Coordination: MHADA has noted poor collaboration between state departments, which further slows down the redevelopment process.

In fact, of the roughly 14,000 cessed buildings in Mumbai, redevelopment has only taken place in about 2,000. That leaves over 12,000 buildings still in desperate need of attention.

Could New Policies Be the Game-Changer?

To tackle the backlog, MHADA is proposing significant policy changes and better coordination among authorities. They’re encouraging governments to:

• Simplify Approval Processes: Quicker approvals mean faster constructions and fewer risks for residents.
• Offer Developer Incentives: By sweetening the deal, more builders might be motivated to take on redevelopment projects.
• Ensure Tenant Rehousing: Tenants should be guaranteed temporary accommodation and a smooth return to the new building post-redevelopment.

This push isn’t just about aesthetics or modern living; it’s about protecting the people who make this vibrant city what it is.

A Real-Life Example: When Redevelopment Brings Hope

Let’s take a quick look at a success story. In Byculla, one of Mumbai’s older neighborhoods, a crumbling century-old building was redeveloped last year. Families who had lived in congested, dimly-lit rooms for years suddenly found themselves in brand-new apartments with elevators, proper ventilation, and 24/7 water supply. Children who once feared monsoon leaks now play within the safety of their homes.

This isn’t just a story—it’s the future MHADA wants to create for many more families.

What Can Residents Do?

If you’re a resident of a cessed building, here are a few steps you can take:

• Form a Co-operative Housing Society: It’s easier to negotiate with developers and authorities collectively.
• Stay Informed: Attend MHADA meetings and track policy changes that may benefit your locality.
• Raise a Voice: If your building is at risk, highlight the issue to local authorities. Alertness can save lives.

Looking Ahead: A Safer, Smarter Mumbai

Mumbai’s charm lies in its mix of the old and the new. However, clinging to dangerously outdated buildings isn’t the way to honor the past. Redevelopment of cessed buildings has the power to keep the city’s soul intact while making living conditions safer and more comfortable.

For MHADA, the message is clear: Enough with just repairs—let’s rebuild, renew and revive Mumbai’s island city.

And who knows? The charming character of your ancestral home could still live on—in a brand-new avatar, strong enough to last another hundred years.

Final Thoughts

The redevelopment of cessed buildings in Mumbai island city isn’t just an infrastructure challenge—it’s a people-first mission. With better policies, greater awareness, and stronger support from the government and private developers, we can ensure that no family lives in fear when the rains arrive.

Are you living in one of these aging buildings? Or do you know someone who does? Share this blog with them—it might be the first step toward a safer tomorrow.

Keywords: cessed buildings in Mumbai, MHADA redevelopment, Mumbai island city housing, Mumbai real estate redevelopment, old buildings in Mumbai, MHADA Mumbai housing.