Getting an affordable house in Mumbai is a dream that a million eyes see each night. However, fulfilling that dream is an uphill task for many. No wonder, the affordable MHADA housing complexes are such sought after projects in the city. MiD DAY tracked the journey of hopeful Mumbaikars who stood in line to lay their hands on the application form.
While some stood in line from as early as midnight, several others took a day off from work to try their luck.
Believe in the best Prathamesh Phatak (23), a student from Mira Road, feels that the MHADA houses are affordable and the scope of being cheated is minimal. "We live on rent, and need a house of our own. We cannot afford to buy from a builder, as they do not deliver on time. Whereas MHADA is a government body and will deliver what they promise." Arrived at 9.30 am, and was successful in buying the form
Oye lucky Nikhil Kajrolkar (23), a Parel resident, took the day off from work to try his luck at MHADA's lottery system of flat allotment. "Many years ago, my parents had applied for a MHADA house, and were also allotted one. But we lost it as we failed to provide a caste certificate. Getting this house is pure luck, and this time I am here to try my luck," he said. Kajrolkar, a railway clerk, who regularly travels from Mumbai to Pune on work. Arrived at 9.30 am, and was successful in buying the form
There's always hope Vallabh Das (70), a retired sales executive, could not make sense of the chaos at the counter. He would have to return earlier in the day tomorrow to queue up. "My only son has relocated to Delhi with his family. We have received a notice to evacuate the house, where I have been living for the last 50 years. So I am trying to get a MHADA house, though the chances are rather slim," said Das. Arrived at 1 pm, and could not buy a form
So close, yet so far Reshma Nevrekar (40), a widow and resident of Kalachowki, said, "I was standing in line since 9am, but by the time I reached the window it had closed for the day." Nevrekar, who is a labour contractor with the BMC, lives in a 10x10 house with her four daughters. "I will again have to take a day off to line up for the form," she said. Arrived at 9 am, but could not buy a form
5 lakh Number of forms printed by MHADA. It's planning to print some more.
