Close to 1000 families who had paid MHADA anywhere between Rs 1,000 to Rs 3.5 lakh almost 25 years ago in lieu of plots can now seek a refund of their amount along with interest. Maharashtra Housing & Area Development Authority (MHADA) had given out plots including bungalow plots in the year 1995-96, however, these plots later got stuck as the High Court ordered that no development can be carried out within 50-meters of Mangrove Buffer Zone area. On Thursday, MHADA decided that these allottees can seek a refund. A total of 2,600 cluster plots and 150 bungalow plots were sold by MHADA then via lottery. An official statement says that they will be refunding the amount at the existing interest rate. An official statement by MHADA read, “Those people who had made the payment in regards to this project and wish to seek a refund of the amount they had paid to MHADA should approach them at their headquarters in Bandra along with the receipt. MHADA has decided to refund the beneficiaries the amount along with the existing interest rate in the market.” The statement further added, “There are also possibilities of approaching the Supreme Court in regards to the High Court Order.” The project falls under Mumbai Board of MHADA. MHADA had undertaken a project under Bombay Urban Development Project (BUDP) with the assistance of the World Bank in Mumbai suburbs during the period of 1985-1994. The areas include Gorai-Borivali, Charkop-Kandivali, Malwani-Malad, Mulund, and Versova. The project was meant for Economically Weaker Section and Lower Income Group, where MHADA provided them with developed plots, along with complete infrastructure services, this was a single project and completed in phases. There was an order from the Bombay High Court that bans development in 50 meters of Mangrove Buffer Zone area. This ended up impacting thousands of families who had then opted for MHADA plots. According to records the lottery that was held in 1995-96, 2,600 cluster plots measuring between 20 sqmt to 30 sqmt were sold, around 25% of the allottees had paid the earnest money deposit of Rs 1,000-1,200 for this. At the same time, 150 bungalow plots, measuring 60 sqmt and 100 sqmt were also sold, here the price was between Rs 2 to 3.5 lakh of which 90% of the beneficiaries had made the payment.

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