Around 500 homebuyers of apartments in Kalpataru Radiance, part of the Patra Chawl redevelopment project in Mumbai’s Goregaon area, released a rap song asking developer Kalpataru to hand over their dream homes, which have been delayed for over six years now.
"As part of our plans to mount pressure on the concerned parties, we have smartly utilised the current media trends to engage and express our pain. This Republic Day, we have launched the Rap Anthem, as a sign of protest, to creatively express their pain and to seek justice. Music has no language and cuts across age groups, and has a tremendous appeal to broader audiences. Hence, the reason to choose a rap song", homebuyers said in a statement.
“This is a first-of-its-kind, done by any consumer as a sign of protest. This Rap Anthem has been done for a good cause, socially very relevant today for all homebuyers. This will help 1.3 lakh homebuyers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), whose homes are either stuck or delayed. This kind of consumer activism will go a long way in solving the much-needed reform for timely delivery of homes in the real-estate industry," they said.
What is Patra Chawl redevelopment?
Patra Chawl, located in Siddharth Nagar area of Goregaon, went for redevelopment in 2008. It had over 670 tenants, and the housing units were spread across 47 acres.
Patra Chawl was originally a barrack constructed by the British during the Second World War, and was used as a military camp.
Also read: What's Patra chawl land scam case that led to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's arrest?
In 2008, MHADA took up the redevelopment project and appointed Guru Ashish Construction Pvt Ltd (GACPL), a sister concern of real-estate company Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd (HDIL), to rehabilitate over 670 tenants and redevelop the locality.
A tripartite agreement was signed between GACPL, the tenants’ society and MHADA. Following this, the tenants moved out from the chawl by 2010 but 14 years down the line, they are yet to get their promised homes.
Additionally, as per the free sale component of the agreement, developers sold apartments to about 1,700 families.
In the sale component, there are three projects under the banners of Kalpataru Radiance, Ekta Tripolis and Sangam Lifespaces.
Also read: Not interested in politics, only concerned about our homes and unpaid rent, say tenants of Patra Chawl
Meanwhile, spokesperson for Kalpataru in email response to Moneycontrol said, “Following is the statement from the company, which has executed the Kalpataru Radiance project for your consideration. Kiyana Ventures LLP have completed construction after obtaining all necessary permissions from Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and other govt. agencies in legal compliance on all matters. 3 buildings are ready since 2018 for occupation."
The spokesperson added, "Government of Maharashtra has issued necessary directions to MHADA. Kiyana Ventures LLP awaits Occupation Certificate from MHADA enabling it to handover possession of flats to customers. Kiyana Ventures LLP has been suffering huge losses without any fault at their end. Kiyana Ventures LLP has requested MHADA to expedite the closure.”
