The NAREDCO Maharashtra's Real Estate Forum 2023 held in Mumbai featured several distinguished speakers who provided valuable insights on the growth prospects for Mumbai and various related topics. Here are the key points from their speeches:
- Cluster-Based Development for Slum-Free Mumbai: Valsa Nair Singh, IAS Additional Chief Secretary, Housing Department, Government of Maharashtra, emphasized the importance of cluster-based development to improve housing conditions in Mumbai. She mentioned the ambitious Dharavi slum redevelopment project, which is the largest renewal initiative in Asia, and how it will serve as a model for similar projects across the city. A new cluster development policy will be announced after consulting with all stakeholders.
- New Housing Policy with a Focus on Innovation: Singh mentioned that the new housing policy will incorporate innovation in smarter homes and technology. Additionally, the policy will prioritize housing for senior citizens and student housing. These sectors will be incentivized once the draft of the policy is made public.
- Promotion of Affordable Housing and Work-Life Balance: Singh stressed that an ideal housing policy should promote affordable housing options and the concept of "walk to work." It should also contribute to a better work-life balance for residents. Skilled labor and training for all professionals in the real estate sector are crucial for its growth and development.
- Infrastructure Growth in Mumbai: Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, highlighted the rapid growth of Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). He mentioned various infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Coastal Road, and the Worli Sea Connector. These projects are expected to be completed within the next three to four years, significantly reducing travel time across the harbor to just 30 minutes.
- Sustainable Development: Shri Pravin Darade, IAS Principal Secretary, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra, emphasized the need for development and environmental conservation to go hand in hand. He dispelled the notion that development necessarily destroys the environment and mentioned that infrastructure development can actually reduce the carbon footprint. Shri. Darade also highlighted the increasing number of sustainable and green projects that are LEED and GRIHA certified.
Overall, the discussions at the Real Estate Forum 2023 in Mumbai centered around promoting sustainable development, affordable housing, innovation, and infrastructure growth for a better future for the city and its residents.