MHADA Offers 6,500 Khoni-Shirdhon Homes as Affordable Housing Option for Mill Workers

Vacant Homes May Provide a New Housing Opportunity

MHADA has proposed around 6,500 vacant homes in Khoni-Shirdhon for eligible mill workers as authorities continue searching for solutions to the long-standing housing needs of more than one lakh workers and their legal heirs.

The proposal was presented to mill worker organizations during discussions with the MHADA Konkan Board. Representatives have not yet reached a final decision, so the plan remains under consideration.

Home Prices Could Drop to About Rs 9.5 Lakh

The 350-square-foot homes were developed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and originally priced at around Rs 17.5 lakh. MHADA is examining the possibility of combining government subsidies and other benefits to bring the effective price down to approximately Rs 9.5 lakh for eligible mill workers.

Thousands of Units Remain Vacant

MHADA has previously offered the Khoni and Shirdhon homes through lotteries and later through a first-come, first-served system. Despite these efforts, about 6,500 units remain unsold.

Finding an appropriate use for these vacant homes has therefore become an important part of the authority's housing planning.

Forest Department Also Seeks the Vacant Homes

The Forest Department has separately shown interest in purchasing these homes for rehabilitation of eligible families living in unauthorized settlements around the Sanjay Gandhi National Park area. The estimated value of the proposed purchase is around Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 1,100 crore.

The Forest Department's proposal is also awaiting a final decision.

Mill Workers' Housing Remains a Key Focus

Sanjeev Jaiswal, Vice President and CEO of MHADA, is part of the authority's wider efforts to address housing and redevelopment requirements. The Khoni-Shirdhon proposal provides another possible route for making unused housing available to eligible beneficiaries.

Final Choice Depends on Ongoing Discussions

Mill worker organizations have given mixed responses to the proposal, with some showing interest and others raising concerns. MHADA is awaiting clearer feedback before proceeding.

The vacant homes could ultimately be allocated to mill workers or considered for purchase by the Forest Department, depending on which proposal moves forward after the necessary approvals.