Various projects stalled due to encroachments could soon get a push as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) general body gave nod to a proposal to compensate Project Affect Peoples (PAPs) by offering monetary compensation. A circular will be issued in a week's time. Demolition of encroachments in the city has always been a challenging job for the BMC. One of the main obstructions faced by the civic body is that owners of encroached structures which are eligible for rehabilitation do not easily agree for the alternate places provided by the BMC. As per the proposal, the BMC will rehabilitate commercial structures by offering them compensation in the form of ready reckoner rate of that area. This, the civic body says, will expedite the demolition process. The civic body will give 75 per cent cash compensation of the present ready reckoner to affected people. Dr Sangeeta Hasnale, assistant municipal commissioner (Market) said that the circular will be issued in a week time and big projects will get a push. "First, the occupants of the buildings will be offered alternative places. If they do not accept and demand cash compensation, they can apply for it," said Dr Hasnale. She added that the ward office will decide their eligibility and will need civic chief's approval for cash compensation. However, the compensation is applicable for big projects only, and it will be monitored strictly, said a senior civic official. "The BMC has enough space for residential rehabilitation but not for commercial. Monetary compensation will encourage the shop owners to evict the place. We expect this policy to be sanctioned by the corporation soon to expedite demolition of encroachments in Mumbai", said another civic official. "The ready reckoner rate is applicable to shops with a maximum area of 225 sq feet. If the area of the commercial structure is 250 or 300 sq feet big, rate will be paid for 225 sq feet area as that is the maximum area limit for alternate accommodation. If the revised policy is implemented, the demolition drives will speed up," said an official from the civic ward. The proposal is likely to help BMC to clear encroachment along the 39- km long Tansa pipeline that provides potable water to the city. In addition, the widening of LBS road will also get a push. Proposal

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