The administration had recently passed a proposal to redevelop municipal properties built before 1940 and which are in dilapidated shape. Except for work which started on one proposal, that too at a snail's pace, others have failed to take off. At the time of passing the proposals, the BMC had also entered into a tripartite agreement with developers and residents to ensure that developers do not offer flats larger than 225 sq ft, as stipulated in a Government Resolution (GR).

Digambar Kandarkar, council member in charge of improvements, informed that the BMC has sent notices to the developers with whom the agreement had been signed, seeking reasons for the delay in construction. The BMC has nowdecided to go ahead with the agreement in the remaining five proposals as well, but with some modifications. The administration feels that once the agreement is signed, work will speed up.

Regarding the stipulation on providing only 225 sq ft flats to residents. In some cases, said Kandarkar, the developer and architects have promised bigger flats to residents, which could create complications for the corporation at a later date. In one project, the developer had even promised the residents mezzanine floors, which violates civic regulations, added Kandarkar. Although a GR states that residents are entitled to flats measuring only 225 sq ft, a developer who wants to give residents flats by using up his saleable Floor Space Index is allowed to do so.

As per the new agreement, the BMC has said if builders make such promises, it is not binding on the corporation to act on them though it is a party to the agreement. In this way, pointed out Kandarkar, if the matter is challenged in court, the corporation isabsolved of its liability. He further stated that this was necessary to ensure that residents of projects do not demand bigger flats.

The new agreement will, however, have a new clause in the tenant's interest. As per the previous agreement, even if a tenant does not want to join a redevelopment project, he would be forced to do so or fend for himself. However, as per the new clause, if a tenant does not want to participate in the project, the BMC will declare him a `Project Affected Person' and provide him alternate accommodation elsewhere.

The BMC has also announced that residents who shift to transit camps while their buildings are being reconstructed will now be charged the same rents they were paying until they are handed over the new flats.

Earlier, residents whose buildings were demolished did not have to pay rent until they moved into their new homes.