MHADA Ready to Provide 6,500 Homes to Help Clear Sanjay Gandhi National Park Encroachments

Government Meeting Expected Soon as MHADA Offers Alternative Housing for Eligible Encroachers

MHADA Plans 6,500 Homes for Eligible Encroachers

A major step is being considered to address long-standing encroachments in Sanjay Gandhi National Park and nearby forest areas. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has expressed its readiness to provide around 6,500 homes to eligible families as part of the rehabilitation process.

A meeting between senior MHADA officials and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park administration was held on Monday. During the meeting, the park administration requested around 11,000 homes for families affected by the planned removal of encroachments. MHADA, however, said it could make about 6,500 homes available in Shirdhon and Khoni.

The proposal will now be discussed with the state government, which is expected to take a final decision on the housing arrangement.

Around 30,000 Encroachments Reported in the National Park

Sanjay Gandhi National Park covers around 103 square kilometers and is spread across areas under the Mumbai and Thane forest divisions. The protected area is an important wildlife habitat, but encroachments have remained a challenge for several decades.

According to the information discussed by officials, around 30,000 encroachments exist within the national park. Authorities are now working on a rehabilitation plan that would allow eligible residents to receive alternative homes while helping protect the forest and wildlife area.

Pre-1995 Encroachments to Be Considered for Rehabilitation

Under the proposed process, encroachments existing before January 1, 1995, will be considered for eligibility for alternative housing.

The aim is to provide eligible families with permanent housing before removing their existing structures. This approach is expected to help authorities address the encroachment issue while providing a housing solution for affected residents.

The meeting was held in the presence of MHADA Vice President and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal. During the discussion, MHADA indicated that it was prepared to provide approximately 6,500 homes at Shirdhon and Khoni.

Government to Discuss Final Housing Plan

The next major step will be a meeting with the state government. Officials are expected to discuss the number of eligible families, the available housing units and the financial arrangements before taking a final decision.

If the proposal receives approval, the availability of MHADA homes could help speed up the rehabilitation process and support efforts to protect Sanjay Gandhi National Park from further encroachments.

State Government Must Fund the Housing

MHADA has made it clear that the houses will be provided to the forest department only after the state government pays the required amount to the housing authority.

A senior MHADA official said the estimated cost of around 6,500 homes could be between Rs 1,000 crore and Rs 1,100 crore.

The housing proposal was discussed after the Sanjay Gandhi National Park administration approached MHADA for alternative homes. The proposed houses in Shirdhon and Khoni could become an important part of the rehabilitation plan if the state government gives its approval.

Rehabilitation Could Help Protect the National Park

The proposed housing plan could provide a practical solution for both residents and the authorities. Providing homes to eligible families before removing encroachments may help make the rehabilitation process more organized while supporting the protection of the national park.

With a government-level meeting expected soon, the proposed 6,500-home arrangement could mark an important step toward resolving one of the long-running encroachment challenges affecting Sanjay Gandhi National Park.