The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is analyzing the feasibility of reclaiming a segment of the Campa Cola property from the developer. The builder, it appears, secured third-party rights without gaining the necessary approval from the municipal entity to erect flats illegally. A civic body official is slated to present the available options before the state government soon.
According to a senior administrator, the land, situated in the upscale Worli neighborhood of Mumbai, technically belongs to the BMC. However, the administrator noted that the acquisition deal occurred without seeking their consent. Should the unlawful occupants seek accommodation, the present lease would be annulled, making way for the construction of fresh flats.
Recapturing the land will prove to be a complicated undertaking. Even were ownership to revert to the inhabitants, a shift from industrial designation to residential will be necessary to facilitate construction. The civic body posits, however, that this presents no major hurdle and that governmental channels should be able to accomplish this task.
Who bears the financial burden associated with the land represents a significant question; current valuations range between Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 per square foot, a substantial sum. Should the state government offer discounted allotments, the costs could still constitute a significant financial burden possibly beyond the residents' capacity to bear.
The proposal must secure approval from both the development board and the BMC's general body. Given the broad political backing commanded by the Campa Cola residents, observers do not anticipate significant opposition.
The Supreme Court of India once directed Attorney General Goolam Vahanvati to present a reintegration plan for the owners of the illegal apartments. The apex court learned that officials could rehabilitate residents after demolition but within the same complex.