NMMC issues notification to redevelop Simplex Housing Colony in Ghansoli
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has officially initiated the redevelopment of the ageing Simplex Housing Colony in Sector 7, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai. Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde issued a notification on July 14 for an Urban Renewal Plan (URP) to progress the long-pending cluster redevelopment project, which is set to benefit approximately 3,500 families residing in the area.
The notification, issued under Regulation 14.8 of the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), proposes the Urban Renewal Plan for Cluster No. 4. This plan covers the Simplex Housing condominium, which is spread across 67,146.20 square metres and includes condominium buildings C-1 to C-5, D-1 to D-5, E-1 to E-10, F-1 to F-10, and H-1 to H-4.
This administrative step follows policy decisions by the Maharashtra government that cleared the path for redeveloping older housing colonies built by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) under the Urban Renewal Scheme (URS).
The issuance of the notification opens a 30-day period for the public to inspect the proposed Urban Renewal Plan and submit suggestions or objections. Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde stated that the plan was prepared with stakeholder participation in accordance with the UDCPR and the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act.
Originally developed by CIDCO in 2004, the Simplex Housing Colony was built to provide affordable housing for Mathadi workers from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Over the years, the buildings have deteriorated due to age and lack of maintenance, causing safety concerns for the residents.
Structural audits conducted by several institutions, including IIT Kharagpur, Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), the Konkan Divisional Commissioner's office, and the Public Works Department, previously declared the buildings unsafe. Following these audits, the NMMC's Technical Committee and empanelled structural engineers classified the structures under the C-1 dangerous category.
Residents of the colony have faced ongoing issues, including cracked walls, falling slabs, and failing drainage infrastructure. Delays in securing redevelopment approvals had previously led to protests by the Mathadi workers.
The proposed redevelopment plans and maps are available for public inspection for 30 days at the offices of the Municipal Commissioner, the Town Planning Department, and all NMMC ward offices.
