Twenty five years since Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) colonies came into existence in Mumbai due to the infrastructure projects undertaken by multiple government agencies, the conditions at the residential sites remain deplorable and no provisions have been made for redevelopment of structurally unstable buildings, highlighted a report released by Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA), a non-profit working with the marginalised.
The document pointed out that “… the policy and institutional framework governing post allocation subject matters in the PAP scheme, comprises a patchwork of legal provisions and institutional arrangement without clear division of responsibilities and allocation of resources to discharge them. Largely, things have been left to be managed by the PAPs and institutions they are required to or urged to form, unmindful of the fact that in the complicated web of actors involved in the whole process, they are the most resource deprived and lack institutional and technological capacities the most. “The problems have arisen due to poor quality of construction.
“The societies and federations should be formally recognised as part of the R&R governance and their role, power and responsibilities and sources of funds should be clearly defined and provided for in the policy framework…these require amendments to the Maharashtra Slum Act…” noted the research. A long term scheme is needed to redevelop the existing such colonies and improve living conditions,” said Vishram Patil, former chief of social development cell, MMRDA. “Hence, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive policy on post allocation maintenance and operation of PAP housing infrastructure, which in our view should at a minimum provide support on multiple aspects,” report recommended based on the findings.
The defect liability period for the contractor in several cases ended even before the families moved in resulting in these families being forced to reside in horrible conditions.
