Mumbai: The opposition in the legislative council demanded that Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) be declared the competent authority to declare Pagdi buildings as dilapidated and dangerous. Raising the issue through a calling attention motion on Tuesday, the opposition pointed out that at stake were the lives of four lakh households who are in danger of being displaced.The opposition demanded the govt issue a notification declaring Mhada as a competent authority. This, they said, would satisfy the court. Minister Shambhuraje Desai said the state govt will seek the opinion of the advocate general on whether a notification can be issued on this.They further pointed out that the court was issuing eviction orders which needs to be addressed.Desai said to speed up redevelopment. An opportunity for redevelopment was given at three levels under Section 79-A — the owner, the tenant organization and the government. However, the Bombay High Court had stayed this process after some landowners challenged it in court. The government, he said, through Mhada, has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the stay and the hearing will be held on July 20.He said without disturbing the functioning of the committee of retired judges appointed by the high court, legal aspects will be studied regarding declaring Mhada as the competent authority. Also, a joint meeting of officials of law and judiciary, Mhada and other related depts will be held before the end of the session.While Shiv Sena (UBT) NLC said he has held numerous meetings with the Pagdi Ekta Sangh, MLC Prasad Lad sought to know how many buildings had been declared dilapidated.
