More than 15 years after leaving behind their homes on the promise of upgraded living, 640 of the 672 families from Patra Chawl in Siddharth Nagar, Goregaon West, are finally poised to return. This long-awaited development follows a tumultuous journey marred by land scams, political controversies, and protracted legal battles.
A Tumultuous History of Promises and Controversies
Patra Chawl, located in a sprawling 47-acre Mhada layout, was once earmarked for a redevelopment scheme that promised bigger and better flats for its residents. The project, however, soon became entangled in a web of controversies. Originally, Guru Ashish Construction (GAC)—a subsidiary of HDIL—was appointed to redevelop the area. The plan took a drastic turn when the Mhada land was sold without proper authority approval to nine different developers, raising serious questions about the governance and execution of the redevelopment project.
The controversy deepened when HDIL, which had taken a colossal loan of Rs 6,700 crore from the PMC Cooperative Bank, became embroiled in allegations of financial impropriety. Reports indicate that approximately Rs 2,700 crore was allegedly laundered, contributing to the bank’s eventual collapse. Further compounding the scandal, GAC is accused of selling the Mhada land for Rs 901.79 crore and launching another project, Meadows, by collecting around Rs 138 crore in booking amounts from flat buyers. The total estimated proceeds from these questionable transactions reached Rs 1,039.79 crore.
High-profile arrests followed, including that of Pravin Raut, a former director of GAC, whose involvement allegedly extended to the diversion of Rs 100 crore—a sum that reportedly found its way to influential figures, linking the saga to broader political controversies.
Government Intervention and the Road to Reclamation
In 2021, with the situation reaching an impasse, the Maharashtra government intervened decisively. The MVA government directed Mhada to take over the redevelopment of Patra Chawl, aiming to ensure that the residents finally receive the promised flats. Under the new plan, each tenant is slated to receive a 650 sq ft carpet area flat with an additional 117 sq ft balcony.
Rajesh Dalwi, chairman of the Patra Chawl Cooperative Housing Society (CHS), encapsulated the sentiment of the community: "After such a huge struggle, we just want our home." Although 640 families will be allotted flats initially, ongoing disputes with the remaining residents are expected to be resolved in subsequent phases.
A special general body meeting was convened on February 23, where lots were drawn and flats were allocated in the presence of MHADA officials. The formal handover of keys is scheduled for the end of the month, with dignitaries including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expected to participate. Until the transition is fully completed, MHADA has been compensating the families with a rent of Rs 25,000 since 2018—a measure that will continue until March end.
Looking Ahead
The resolution of the Patra Chawl redevelopment saga marks a significant milestone for the affected families and highlights the critical need for transparent and accountable practices in real estate redevelopment. While the path to reclaiming their homes has been fraught with delays and legal complexities, the recent government intervention offers renewed hope for the community. As disputes are resolved and the redevelopment project moves forward, the long-estranged residents of Patra Chawl are finally set to re-establish their roots in a home they have long awaited.