Mumbai Enforcement Directorate lifts stay on 20 SRA projects under its lens

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has lifted its 'status quo' on Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) builders who were carrying out projects that were under investigation for alleged money laundering. The ED had asked the SRA to maintain a stop work order on these projects, leaving over 5,000 slum dwellers without homes and rent. The state government has now asked the Centre to direct the ED to let the slum redevelopment projects continue, as the builders are under investigation, and the projects have been stuck for several years.

According to senior officials, the state housing department had already written to the ED in this regard and recently took up the issue with the Centre too. The issue of stuck SRA projects due to ED investigations and subsequent stop work notices was taken up at a meeting called by officials from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The PMO has also been briefed on the matter, as the government cannot take any action on these projects since they are located at different locations and the builders have been jailed for financial fraud or money laundering.

Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had said in the Legislative Assembly that the builders had taken loans on the slum land and then diverted these loans, resulting in the ED investigating these projects to protect the bank's money. Fadnavis added that the government is constantly following up with the ED to find a solution or way out, as many people will be homeless and are not receiving rent.

The SRA has been advised to take decisions on the respective projects ensuring that the interest of all parties concerned is safeguarded, and that any project developed will be subject to the outcome of the proceedings initiated by the ED. The ED is to be informed about all decisions pertaining to the said SRA projects.

The move has been welcomed by the slum dwellers, who have been living in poor conditions for years. The lifting of the status quo is expected to bring relief to them and provide them with a place to call home. It is a positive development for the SRA, which has been struggling to complete these projects due to the ongoing investigation.

In conclusion, the lifting of the status quo on SRA builders who were carrying out projects under investigation for alleged money laundering is a significant step forward. The SRA has been advised to take decisions on the respective projects, ensuring that the interest of all parties concerned is safeguarded. The move is expected to provide relief to the slum dwellers, who have been living in poor conditions for years. It is a positive development for the SRA, which has been struggling to complete these projects due to the ongoing investigation.

Next (RMC issues notices to 90 buildings near Kanke Dam, Ranchi Lake)

Mumbai Enforcement Directorate lifts stay on 20 SRA projects under its lens

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