“We’re Trapped in Our Homes”: Mumbai Airport Funnel Zone Seniors Plead For Safe Redevelopment

The recently launched funnel zone redevelopment policy in Mumbai has stirred mixed reactions among residents living in ageing and crumbling buildings under the airport's funnel zone-the airspace where building height is restricted for flight safety. While the policy promises long-awaited change, residents say the reality is far more complicated. According to an exclusive report by Mid-day, many locals, especially senior citizens, are stuck in buildings that are too unsafe to live in and too risky to redevelop.

Trapped Inside Their Own Homes

In Om Mahant Society, Vile Parle, 75-year-old Sharada Limaye explained to Mid-day how difficult life has become. "Most residents here are elderly. Without a lift, we struggle to even step outside. Some of us are confined to our homes and depend on neighbours for essentials," she said. The buildings are over six decades old and suffer from severe leakages, especially during the monsoon season.

The roads, which have been raised over time due to infrastructure work, now cause regular flooding. "Water enters ground floor flats every year," Limaye told Mid-day, highlighting the compounded difficulties.

Noise And Neglect

Residents also face constant noise from aircraft. Madhukar Apte, 85, said that every passing plane raises the noise level well beyond 100 decibels-nearly double the legal limit for public events at Shivaji Park. "It affects our hearing and peace of mind," he told Mid-day.

Developers Pulling Away

When residents in Santacruz approached developers for redevelopment, the initial offers seemed reasonable. But over time, developers became less generous. "Ten years ago, they offered 30-35% more space and a good rent. Now they offer just 22-28% and low corpus funds," said Sanjay Patkar of Bhagyashree Society. "Today's developers are focused on profit, and that makes self-redevelopment almost impossible."

DGCA Notices Add Pressure

To make matters worse, several buildings have received notices from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), asking them to demolish parts of their structures for violating height restrictions. "Where was DGCA for the past 55 years?" asked Shekhar Nair, 67, of Neet-Geet Society, who has been summoned to Delhi for a hearing.

Wadia Estate Residents Left Behind

The Wadia Estate in Kurla West, built for Partition refugees, is also suffering. The colony has 19 buildings, all deteriorating due to age and lack of repairs. Redevelopment has stalled as height restrictions deter developers. Mohan Ambekar, a long-time resident, told Mid-day that many buildings have seen slab collapses and heavy monsoon leaks.

A Call For Fairness And Dignity

Residents argue they are being ignored simply because they are not slum dwellers. "We pay our taxes, yet we get no real support," said Limaye. "We're not asking for towers-just safer homes. TDR or reconstruction support is what we need."

Ajit Ajgaonkar from Santacruz said most residents are too old to move away. "If we must shift, let it be nearby-within 2 to 3 kilometres-and provide fair compensation," he told Mid-day.

Need For Inclusive Policy

Residents of Wadia Estate say the government's policy must also include areas just outside the official funnel zone, especially refugee colonies and old chawls. Ambekar stated that the policy should consider various hardships like proximity to the Mithi River, illegal encroachments, and the vulnerability of the buildings.

What Officials Say

Sanjeev Jaiswal, CEO of MHADA, told Mid-day that the updated policy will allow stalled projects to move forward in Vile Parle, Santacruz, Kurla and Ghatkopar. "MHADA is committed to speedy approvals and protecting residents' rights. Using DCPR clause 33(7), we can club projects within a 10-km area to make redevelopment viable," he said.

But Developers Are Still Hesitant

A NAREDCO spokesperson said that while funnel zone areas are prime real estate, current policies and DGCA restrictions make redevelopment unattractive. "TDR is not being granted. Construction costs are rising. There is no clear incentive for builders," the spokesperson told Mid-day.

Residents' Key Demands

1. Proper record of authorised homes, encroachments, and available land
2. A minimum of 500 sq ft carpet area for existing homeowners
3. Homes or shops for encroachers under official schemes
4. Use of remaining FSI to generate TDR for project viability