Cooperation is key to resolving tenant-builder stalemate

Incomplete construction work at Bombay Improvement Trust site. Pic/Bipin Kokate

A redevelopment project at Chandanwadi, Marine Lines has been stalled for years now because of a simmering controversy between over 600 tenants, the redeveloper and civic authorities.

This paper highlighted the plight of hundreds of tenants who have taken the legal route. Accusations and allegations are flying as both sides are locked in battle, with tenants accusing the developer of reneging on numerous policies. A south Mumbai MP has asked the BMC why this developer seems to have gotten away and when these people, who are awaiting new homes, are finally going to get justice.

It is the human factor that is most important. In the report, the tenants claim they have sold valuables to get by and are now on the edge, as they are desperate to get their homes, financial compensation and are at a loss about where they would go for shelter after some current stays are over.

A South Mumbai MP has raised the alarm about the need for a quick solution as he sees residents tipping over the edge now. There are so many such projects across the city, and locals in, if not the same situation, quite similar predicaments.

We want to have quick and fair resolutions to these problems. Developers must be held to account for reneging on promises. This has to be done with alacrity, not after years of court rounds, tragedy, frustration and at times, suicide.

Residents have to stick to the terms of the deal. There must be unity amongst them, so that redevelopment projects move smoothly and they are resolved according to the timeline.

The predicament of the owners and the deadlock is a familiar and dangerous pattern across the city. We need a permanent solution to this recurring problem as the human factor and the humongous impact on people is just too serious to ignore.