MUMBAI: The state's draft housing policy proposes that MMRDA will take up redevelopment of the Bandra Government Colony (BGC) to create housing stock for government employees and a diplomatic enclave. But critics say it is strange that an affordable housing policy should focus on creating housing for a section (diplomatic community) that is already being catered to by the market.
"The government talks of creating land banks for affordable housing and in the very same policy talks of such extravagance, losing precious land in the process. Today, not just the poor, but also the middle class cannot afford houses in the city," said a source.
As per the policy's argument, several consulates and foreign missions, including the American consulate and the British high commission, have established their presence in G-Block of BKC; BGC is ideal for a diplomatic enclave as it is contiguous with BKC, has access from Western Express Highway and is seamlessly connected with G-Block.
Government housing will be created as per requirement, states the policy. "The diplomatic enclave will be established in the balance area as a free-sale component. The MMRDA will engage world-class architects and take up the project on its own without private participation. MMRDA will engage best-in-class contractors for project execution as it will be a showcase for Mumbai," it states. The revenue generated will be used to redevelop all government housing colonies across the state by 2022.
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