A 6-Week Promise That Could Change Mumbai’s Aging Skyline

For decades, the crumbling cessed buildings of South Mumbai have stood as quiet reminders of what happens when delay becomes the norm in redevelopment. But change is no longer a plan on paper — it’s now a deadline. And it starts with a six-week promise.

In a decisive move, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has announced a new policy to fast-track the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the redevelopment of old cessed buildings. Under this directive, qualifying proposals will now be cleared within six weeks — a sharp departure from the months or even years that used to define this process.

And if they’re not? The proposal will be treated as deemed approved under the Right to Services Act.
Behind this bold shift is IAS officer Sanjeev Jaiswal, Vice President and CEO of MHADA, whose leadership has quietly but firmly steered the authority toward more transparent, timely, and citizen-focused delivery.


 

Why This Matters: The Cessed Building Crisis

Mumbai is home to over 16,000 cessed buildings, many of them more than half a century old, housing thousands of families in increasingly unsafe conditions. Redevelopment, while long-discussed, has been slowed by bureaucratic bottlenecks — especially the time-consuming process of getting NOCs.
By setting a six-week timeline, MHADA isn’t just cutting red tape — it’s setting a precedent. The message is clear: processes must respect people’s time, lives, and future.

The 51% Consent Clause: Speed with Accountability

To qualify under the new, fast-track policy, redevelopment proposals must have consent from at least 51% of the tenants, in line with Sections 79A(1a) and 79A(1b) of the MHADA Act.
This ensures that urgency does not override participation. Redevelopment should be efficient — but also equitable.

Not Just Talk — A Larger Housing Vision

This NOC reform is just one piece of a larger housing roadmap.
Speaking at MHADA’s second redevelopment conference and investors' summit, Mr. Jaiswal laid out a clear ambition: to construct 8 lakh affordable homes across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in the next five years.
To make this happen, MHADA is planning a capital outlay of ₹6,609 crore, while encouraging private sector investment to the tune of ₹1.28 lakh crore. Redevelopment zones like GTB Nagar, Abhyudaya Nagar, Motilal Nagar, and the historic BDD Chawls will be part of this sweeping transformation.

Timelines That Mean Something

In his closing note to stakeholders, Mr. Jaiswal issued a reminder that will likely resonate with every Mumbaikar waiting for a better home:
“Whatever project you undertake, it must be completed on time. The houses must be handed over as committed, and there should be no injustice to the rehabilitation component.”
This wasn’t a warning — it was a standard being set. One that prioritizes delivery over declarations.

Conclusion: A New Era of Urgency

Mumbai doesn’t need more announcements — it needs execution. And this six-week NOC rule may just be the sign that MHADA is done waiting and ready to build — faster, fairer, and for everyone.
The buildings may be old, but the system behind them no longer has to be.