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MHADA Reclaims Disputed Juhu-Andheri Land Worth Rs 2,000 Crore

The Mumbai Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has successfully regained control over an eight-acre land parcel in Juhu-Andheri, valued at Rs 2,000 crore, after a prolonged 20-year legal dispute. The Bombay High Court (HC) lifted the stay on encroachment removal, allowing MHADA to demolish unauthorised structures on the plot. Background of the Land Dispute Initially, the plot was allocated under the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme (SRS) to three co-operative housing societies: Loknayak Nagar Co-operative Housing Society Shivaji Nagar Co-operative Housing Society New Kapaswadi Co-operative Housing Society However, in 2022, MHADA revoked the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the project, citing misuse of land by the builder. Reports indicated that the developer was repurposing the land for commercial activities rather than slum rehabilitation. Additionally, 32,913 sq. m of the land was found ineligible for rehabilitation. Legal Challenges and Court Intervention Although MHADA took paper possession of the land, the builder secured a stay from the Bombay High Court, preventing MHADA from reclaiming the property. Further investigations revealed: Fake entries in Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) records. Satellite imagery evidence of unauthorised activities by the builder. Final Ruling and Encroachment Clearance On February 13, 2025, the Bombay High Court ruled in MHADA's favour, allowing it to remove all encroachments from the disputed land. The Encroachment Removal Unit of the Mumbai Board conducted a clearance drive, officially restoring MHADA s control over the property. Implications for Mumbai s Housing Development This case highlights MHADA s commitment to protecting public land and ensuring its proper use for legal housing development in Mumbai. The authority is expected to prioritise affordable housing initiatives on the reclaimed land, reinforcing the importance of strict regulatory oversight in the real estate sector.