MMRDA, MMRC to rope in NGO to rehabilitate those affected by Metro

The organisation  will be chosen from other applicants based on its experience in the field

To avoid delays in the construction of the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ metro line due to challenges posed during the Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) of Project Affected People (PAPs), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRC) will seek the help of a non-government organisation (NGO) to help the MMRDA solve issues such as the maintenance of buildings and its surroundings in the R&R colonies of the body, which may crop up post rehabilitation. The body will choose a NGO based on the organisation’s experience in the field.

According to previous reports, the MMRDA faced difficulties while dealing with issues such as repairing buildings, on-site infrastructure problems, providing healthcare and education services to the residents of the colonies, due to its limited staff. “We want to appoint a NGO to provide assistance and support in the rehabilitation and resettlement of PAPs of Mumbai Metro Line 3 Project and in post R&R activities for PAPs resettled in various colonies of Metro Line 3 as well,” confirmed a senior MMRDA official, on condition of anonymity.

In the past, the MMRDA successfully rehabilitated 42,000 PAPs affected by its various projects in 45 R&R colonies located mostly in the suburbs of Mumbai. Also, in the past, the MMRDA had sought the help of NGOs for the R&R activities that had to be carried out as a result of the projects of bodies such as the Mumbai Urban Transport Project.

Earlier, the MMRDA carried out R&R work on its own. “The NGO will help MMRDA train office bearers of PAP organisations, co-ordinate with the municipal corporation and other agencies while providing facilities, spreading awareness, and so on,” said an MMRDA official, on condition of anonymity. Construction of the Metro line 3 is expected to commence early next year. The project will see state-of-the-art technology in underground tunnelling, used for the first time in an infrastructure project in Mumbai.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!