Thousands of Citizens Will Celebrate Diwali in Their Own Homes This Year, A Promise Fulfilled by IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal and MHADA!

For thousands of families across Maharashtra, this Diwali carries a new light — one that shines not just from diyas but from the windows of their very own homes. After years of anticipation and uncertainty, citizens are finally stepping into modern, secure residences built through the dedicated efforts of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA). This milestone reflects a powerful blend of policy vision and on-ground execution, ensuring that the promise of “Housing for All” moves from aspiration to achievement.

Behind this transformation lies the determined leadership and transparent governance of IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal, Chief Executive Officer of MHADA, whose commitment has redefined how large-scale public housing projects can succeed in India. With MHADA at the forefront of redevelopment, the state’s housing landscape has been reshaped — from rehabilitating families in century-old chawls to launching digital housing lotteries that empower citizens through fairness and accessibility. The success of these initiatives demonstrates how collaboration between government institutions and citizens can build not just houses, but hope.

BDD Chawl Redevelopment: A Legacy Restored in Mumbai’s Heart

On August 14, 2025, Mumbai witnessed a defining moment in its housing history. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority handed over 556 new homes to eligible residents of the iconic BDD Chawls in Worli, marking the completion of the first phase of Asia’s largest urban renewal initiative. The project, led by Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and implemented directly through MHADA, has transformed the lives of residents who once lived in cramped 160 sq. ft. rooms — now moving into spacious 500 sq. ft. 2BHK apartments, completely free of cost.

Chief Minister Fadnavis called these homes “more precious than gold,” reminding beneficiaries that they represent both progress and legacy. The project includes 34 towers of 40 floors each, equipped with solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and waste management systems. Importantly, 65% of the total land is dedicated to rehabilitation, preserving community bonds while introducing modern infrastructure. Historical spaces like Jamboree Ground and Ambedkar Ground will be protected, and one of the old chawls will be converted into a heritage museum — ensuring that redevelopment does not erase history but revitalizes it.

Ambitious Housing Vision for MMR: 35 Lakh Homes by 2030
 

In continuation of these achievements, the Government of Maharashtra has laid out an extensive housing roadmap for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), targeting the construction of 35 lakh houses over the next five years. The plan, announced by Deputy Chief Minister and Housing Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, includes housing for working women, senior citizens, and rental accommodations for urban migrants. Public agencies such as MHADA, CIDCO, MMRDA, and MIDC have been entrusted with the task of ensuring that long-delayed redevelopment projects are completed efficiently and transparently.

The scale of this vision is backed by numbers — ₹50 lakh crore in projected investment and a target of 30 lakh houses under the MMR Growth Hub Plan by 2030. Of these, MHADA alone is expected to deliver nearly 8 lakh homes, a feat achievable through digital transformation and citizen trust. The overwhelming response of 1.58 lakh applications for just 5,354 tenements in MHADA’s recent Konkan Board lottery underscores this confidence. A completely computerized, tamper-proof lottery system ensures transparency from registration to possession — a model that has become a national benchmark for public housing.

The ‘Solapur Pattern’: Affordable, Quality Homes for All
 

The housing revolution extends beyond Mumbai. In Solapur, MHADA’s ‘Solapur Pattern’ has become a state model for affordable and high-quality housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). Of the 48,000 homes planned, 20,000 units have already been handed over, with construction for another 25,000 underway. In August 2025, Chief Minister Fadnavis personally handed over keys to 1,348 beneficiaries in Dahitane and Shelgi, where housing societies built for workers, auto drivers, and small vendors have brought dignity and stability to countless families.

The initiative goes beyond brick and mortar — it integrates livelihood opportunities and local development. Over 800 construction workers received additional financial assistance under the Atal Construction Scheme, ensuring that the people who build these homes also find security within them. The Chief Minister also announced the establishment of an IT Park in Solapur to spur local employment, linking housing development with economic progress.

Technology, Transparency, and Trust: The MHADA Model

Across Maharashtra — from the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nashik Boards to the Worli redevelopment towers — MHADA has become synonymous with credibility and public trust. Its innovative Integrated Housing Lottery Management System (IHLMS 2.0) has made the entire home allotment process digital and error-free. This data-driven approach ensures real-time verification and efficient service delivery, making the system both people-friendly and policy-aligned.

Such efforts reflect a broader shift in governance — one that views housing as a fundamental pillar of social transformation. When citizens receive homes built transparently and equitably, the ripple effects extend to education, health, and economic opportunity. MHADA’s model, rooted in efficiency and accountability, stands as a blueprint for inclusive urban growth across India.

A Festival of Gratitude and New Beginnings
 

As Diwali lights up Maharashtra, thousands of families who once lived in uncertainty now celebrate with renewed pride — within the walls of their own homes. Their stories, filled with patience and perseverance, now shine as stories of progress. Across Mumbai, Solapur, Thane, and beyond, citizens are expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Maharashtra and MHADA for making the dream of homeownership a reality.

For many, this festive season is not just about decoration and celebration — it is about dignity restored and dreams realized. The joy of turning a key in one’s own door is perhaps the most powerful symbol of empowerment. Citizens have voiced deep appreciation for the state’s leadership, its transparent housing processes, and the unwavering efforts that brought light, security, and belonging into their lives.