After a 19-year legal and financial struggle, 24 families of Tilak Safalya Co-operative Housing Society in Chembur have begun construction of their new tower through self-redevelopment. Having won rights up to the Supreme Court of India, residents are now building larger, greener homes on their own terms
Tilak Safalya CHS. Pics/By Special Arrangement
For nearly two decades, 24 families of Chembur’s Tilak Safalya Co-operative Housing Society have shown that collective will and perseverance can overcome delays, legal battles, and uncertainty to transform lives. What began as a hope for better homes in 2007 has today become a story of courage, unity, and people-driven redevelopment. The actual drilling work for the construction of the new tower commenced at the site recently.
Nineteen-year wait
In 2007, a private developer was appointed to redevelop the society’s 200 sq ft MHADA tenements. By 2010, the old building was demolished, but reconstruction never started. Despite years of hardship, the 24 families united, taking their case from the Arbitral Tribunal to the Supreme Court. In 2018, they reclaimed redevelopment rights, a victory for collective perseverance over bureaucratic delays and corporate failure.
People take charge
The society adopted the self-redevelopment model, avoiding external developers and handling approvals, financing, and planning. Architects, engineers, and a reputed contractor are now executing the project under the society’s guidance. Construction is progressing steadily.
Civic responsibility
Tilak Safalya CHS is setting new standards in sustainable living with plans for centralised air-conditioning, solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and green building certification. The project embodies Article 21 of the Indian Constitution’s right to a clean environment and Article 51A’s duty to protect nature, showing how civic responsibility can be built into urban development, said the residents. The residents have also ensured that a sprinkler system was put in use to keep the AQI level under control at the construction site.
Residents speak
Adv Selvam Rajan, 63, Room No. 3340, cancer survivor and former BPT staffer
We vacated our building in 2007, but the previous developer let us down. My two children and I struggled. I went into depression, paid high rent, and worried about their education. Yet, we stayed united. Today, standing on our own plot, we see a new home rising. After so many years of hardship, this self-redevelopment project gives us hope. Our new flats will be four times larger than the original 208 sq ft MHADA house.
Residents who have been awaiting redevelopment since 2007
Shobha Shetty, 58, Room No. 3341
After 19 years of legal battles and paying high rents, I am finally happy and satisfied. We faced many hardships, took loans, and sacrificed for our children’s future. Self-redevelopment has given us hope, a good home, and a fresh start.
Pradeep Aapkar, Room No. 3342
It is only because of the unity and patience of the residents that we were able to wait for almost two decades, hoping to have a shelter of our own. Today, our hope has borne fruit through self-redevelopment, which has allowed us to be involved with the project from its inception to its completion.
Timeline of events
2007: Private developer appointed to undertake redevelopment
2010: Old building demolished; promised reconstruction did not begin
2010-2018: Prolonged litigation over redevelopment rights
>> Case heard before the Arbitral Tribunal
>> Appeal made in Bombay High Court
>> Final appeal made at Supreme Court
2018: Society wins legal battle; redevelopment rights reclaimed
2018-2024: Society decides to pursue self-redevelopment model
Nov 26, 2024: Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) secured
July 22, 2025: Commencement Certificate (CC) obtained; project officially registered with RERA 2025-2026: Construction begins
Green initiatives planned
>> Centralised air-conditioning system
>> Solar energy integration
>> Rainwater harvesting
>> Green building certification
Expert view
Self-redevelopment has transformed tenants from silent sufferers into empowered decision makers. It has replaced uncertainty with ownership, delay with determination, and dependency with dignity. In unity, the members have discovered not just bigger homes but a renewed hope and control over their future, and a true sense of right to property
Adv Shreeprasad Parab, expert director, Maharashtra State Housing Federation
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
