Thousands gather to welcome holistic redevelopment, C-Ward throbs with ROMF

Thousands of people gathered at the Acharya Mahapragnya Hall in C Ward today for a grand meet to chalk out the roadmap for transforming Mumbai into a world class city.

Mumbai, January 23rd , 2008: Thousands of people gathered at the Acharya Mahapragnya Hall in C Ward today for a grand meet to chalk out the roadmap for transforming Mumbai into a world class city. This is the third massive public meeting of its kind organized by the Remaking of Mumbai Federation, which has been advocating joint redevelopment of old and dilapidated buildings on a cluster approach in partnership with the Government, tenants and landlords as per the new Housing Policy.

The redevelopment plan covers areas like Kalbadevi and Girgoan where over 5 lakh people trade in only 212 acres in the daytime. "This is the city's prime trading area. Yet, the congested lanes and crumbling buildings handicap the community and sometimes prove fatal. The commercial capital of India should have global infrastructure and world class buildings to showcase the vibrant economy. Remaking of Mumbai is a step in the creation of a World Class city that India can be proud of," says the Federation's Chairman, Mr. Lalit Gandhi.

Mr. Sachin Ahir, Chairman- Repairs and Reconstuction Board, MHADA, endorsed the federation and community's demand for better infrastructure and an improved quality of life.

The community was amply represented by its political leaders. MLAs Mr. Raj Purohit, from Mumbaidevi, Mr. Bhai Jagtap, from Khetwadi, Mr. Arvind Narkar, from Operahouse and Bashir Patel, from Umarkhadi were present. Among the corporators Janak Sanghvi, Vishaka Pednekar and Minal Juwatkar attended.

"Whatever happens we shall support anyone who brings development to the area, and Remaking of Mumbai has a workable solution which takes all stakeholders together," MLA, Mr. Raj Purohit said.

"When planning is not incremental and haphazard we can create terrific amenities for the small traders. The best residence buildings can be created. Infrastructure can be augmented. Commerecial areas improved. For instance trading as a co-operative where an entire state-of-the-art building can devoted to say cloth merchants which includes godowns, showrooms, conference halls etc. This has happened in Hong Kong , Singapore , Shanghai . The world's best practices can be emulated here," said Mayank Gandhi, secretary of ROMF who explained the entire sector by sector development process in an audio- visual presentation.

Mr Arvind Nerkar said "This scheme is the best solution that I have seen for the poor and chawl residents and we shall request the government to adopt the same."

Mr Bashir Patel supported the idea of redevelopment and called it a complete solution of the dilapidated area and appreciated its efforts.

Mr Bhai Jagtap said that the Housing Policy of the Government is a progressive step and this scheme fits perfectly into the direction and policies of the government. "The building have been repaired too often. Yet we hear of accidents. It is time these are replaced. ROMF promises to make self- sustainable towers were the tenants do not even pay for the maintainence. I extend my support to those who have thought about uplifting the common man."

"Due to the resource crunch any scheme which can generate infrastructure funds and housing stock for the poor in a self financing mode is welcome. Mr. Lalit Gandhi's vision and efforts in this direction are commendable as it is the first time that such a concept has been proposed in the country. This is precisely why I am part of this movement" commented Mr. Girish Gokhale, ex Municipal Commissioner.

Members of the Tenants Association, Flat Owner Association and other stake holders attended the meeting in full strength and endorsed the scheme.

R.S.V.P
Mayank Gandhi

Remaking Of Mumbai Federation
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