MITRA - MHADA 1.0.3

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) stands as a significant entity in the housing sector, boasting a rich history dedicated to improving living standards for the underprivileged segments of society. Over the past seventy years, MHADA has successfully provided affordable housing to approximately 750,000 families across the state, with around 250,000 of those beneficiaries residing in Mumbai. Throughout its existence, MHADA has navigated various challenges and transformations within the housing landscape, demonstrating a notable capacity for adaptation.

During the pre-independence period, rapid industrialization prompted significant urbanization, leading to an influx of rural populations seeking employment and enhanced living conditions in urban centers. Following World War II and the subsequent partition of India, one of the largest human migrations in history occurred, resulting in numerous Hindu refugees settling in Mumbai. This demographic shift created an acute housing shortage in what was then the Mumbai province, which extended to areas now part of Pakistan. In response to this pressing issue, Housing Minister Guljarilal Nanda initiated housing legislation that culminated in the establishment of the Maharashtra Housing Board under the Bombay Housing Board Act in 1948.

Initially named the "Bombay Housing Board," this institution quickly gained popularity among residents as a vital source of affordable housing options. The Board’s jurisdiction spans nearly all of Maharashtra, excluding the Vidarbha region. It has implemented various affordable housing initiatives catering to diverse societal needs. Among its landmark projects is Ambedkar Nagar in Worli, which marked its first housing development in 1948. Additionally, Tagore Nagar in Vikhroli, constructed between 1962 and 1963, emerged as one of Asia's largest housing projects at the time.