Deshmukh asks officers to speed up housing projects

Mumbai, Jul 11 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today directed the officials concerned to speed up housing projects, initiated by the State government, for low-income groups and reduce the approval-related phases.

The Chief Minister gave the direction while speaking at a state- level Steering Committee meeting, held under his Chairmanship, to sanction proposals under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) at Sahyadri Guest House here.

In the meeting, Mr Deshmukh took review of the housing schemes to be undertaken in small and big cities under the JNNURM by Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA). For these projects, the District Collectors have been given the authority of administrative approval, the Chief Minister said.

The meeting was informed that under Basic Service to the Urban Poor (BSUP) 1,36,012 houses have been approved in big cities at an estimated expenditure of Rs 4,135 crore. Of this, the Central Government will bear the cost of Rs 1,933 crore, while the state government of Rs 1,168 crore. The Centre has distributed Rs 529 crore to the State, which has entrusted the amount to MHADA.

In small cities, 31,636 houses will be constructed under the Integrated Housing Slum Development Project (IHSDP). For this, the Centre will give Rs 410 crore, while the State will spend Rs 310 crore. So far, the Centre has given Rs 151 crore.

In the meeting, Mr Deshmukh was informed that 15,720 houses are needed to settle Brihanmumbai Storm Water Drain (BRIMSTOWAD) project affected families.

Dangerous buildings in Thane should be developed in cluster format.

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