Over 10,000 turn up at RoMF meet

The Remaking of Mumbai Federation (RoMF) is led by Chairman Mr. Lalit Gandhi, and President Justice P.N. Bhagwati.

Mumbai, 4th November 2007 : In an unprecedented public meeting, over 10,000 people gathered at the 3 halls of Acharya Mahapragya Vidyanidhi Hall, Kalbadevi, and spilled on the street to listen to an unique proposal of converting 'C' Ward into a world class city. The Remaking of Mumbai Federation (RoMF) is led by Chairman Mr. Lalit Gandhi, and President Justice P.N. Bhagwati. Other eminent leaders include ex-municipal commissioner Mr. Girish Gokhale, Head of Times Group, Mumbai, Mr. Ram Maheshwary, Mr. Mukesh Mehta, Architect of Dharavi Redevelopment Project and over 50 associations representing millions of Mumbaikars.

(RoMF) Chairman Mr. Lalit Gandhi promised the tenants and landlords a partnership in the redevelopment of 'C' Ward. This 212 acre-ward has 2202 buildings, of which 1777 are dilapidated. Explaining the scheme Mr. Gandhi said, "This is the first time that a project of this magnitude is being taken up anywhere in the country. This unique scheme includes the RoMF, tenants, landlords and the government in the equity-holding of the company so that the benefits of development will be shared by all. It will also make the Rent Act redundant." Thunderous applause greeted this statement.

The redevelopment strategy involves :

Redeveloping old buildings by shifting tenants to transit accommodation.
Giving financial guarantees to tenants and shifting them to the newly constructed buildings in a specified time frame.
Giving a substantial share to owners in the redeveloped buildings.
Creating a corpus fund to take care of the increased maintenance cost of the tenants.
Redeveloping the entire sector by using vertical housing, thus freeing space for open areas, play grounds, public amenities etc.
Housing tenants in 60 buildings, and constructing 35 more buildings for sale, and freeing 77% ground area.

Mr. Mukesh Mehta, Architect of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project gave a presentation on the changes envisaged for the largest slum in Asia.

Mr. Mayank Gandhi, Secretary of Remaking of Mumbai Federation made a PPT presentation outlining the Redevelopment Scheme. He explained "This is a self financing scheme which will also generate 3500 tenements for lower income groups which will be given to MHADA, and over Rs.800 crores for infrastructural fund."

Tenant leader Shri. Raj K. Purohit promised all help to any scheme that improves the quality of life of all people living in Mumbai's 20,000 old, dilapidated buildings. "The new housing policy also talks of redevelopment of old, dilapidated buildings on a cluster approach and we welcome this scheme," he said.

A resolution authorizing Remaking of Mumbai Federation to submit a proposal to the Special Projects, Government of Maharashtra for development of their area was read out and approved by all present.

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