While the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) mandated that beneficiaries of the BDD redevelopment project move into their new homes within 15 days of receiving their keys and even got them to sign a no-objection certificate (NOC) stating that they would shift in the stipulated period, many are requesting a deadline extension due to the ongoing festive and religious calendar.
Several residents who recently received possession of their new homes in the redeveloped BDD chawl in Worli have begun interior works, but others are holding off, citing cultural and religious constraints. Key among these is the observance of Pitrupaksha, a 15-day period considered inauspicious by many Hindu families for initiating new projects or moving homes. This began the day after Anant Chaturdashi.
Bhushan Shetye (right) discusses a matter with a Tata Power employee
“We had no option, as they had said that they would hand over the keys only if we signed the NOC. If we didn’t take the keys, we would have had to take them during Navratri, which would have delayed the interior work,” said Bhushan Shetye, who will be living on the 20th floor of E wing of the newly constructed housing complex.
“We took the keys on August 16 and subsequently got furniture made. But then we went to our home town for Ganesh Chaturthi. We knew that Ganpati would be followed by Pitrupaksha, during which we can`t start new work. So we had done a small Ganesh pooja and started work right after taking the keys. But completing the work for a 2BHK home is not possible within 15 days,” said Savita Bhosale, whose new home is on the 37th floor of D wing.
The redevelopment has been welcomed by residents, most of whom have lived in cramped, crumbling tenements for decades. However, the transition has not been without its challenges. Dussehra, which marks the culmination of Navratri, is a widely celebrated festival across Maharashtra. Traditionally seen as an auspicious time to begin new ventures, many residents are hoping to wait until then to commence or accelerate work on their homes.
Sunita Khopkar, BDD redevelopment project beneficiary
“Our demand is not illogical, and we understand that MHADA needs the transitional homes to accommodate new residents of other BDD chawls. But packing, getting basic interior work done, and shifting all our belongings to these new homes… how do the authorities expect us to do all these in 15 days?” asked Sunita Khopkar, who will also be staying on the 37th floor of the D wing of the new building.
‘Asking for understanding’
For now, the residents are hoping for a formal extension that accommodates the realities of the festive season and traditional practices. A group of residents is preparing to submit a written request to MHADA, urging the authority to extend the timeframe for beginning and completing interior works until after Dussehra, which falls on October 12 this year.
“We are not unwilling to move. But just like MHADA has deadlines, so do our beliefs and festivals. We’re only asking for a little understanding and flexibility,” said another resident. In the meantime, buildings are witnessing a patchy pattern — some flats echoing with the sound of drilling and hammering, while others remain locked and quiet, awaiting the end of Pitrupaksha. “Some of our old neighbours have not even taken their keys due to the fear of the 15-day deadline for shifting,” said the resident. It remains to be seen how MHADA balances the need for swift occupancy with the residents’ cultural and logistical concerns.
