India, Feb. 13 -- The twin cities of Mira Road and Bhayandar are one step closer to getting a special mini-cluster redevelopment scheme that would give new homes to lakhs of residents living in unauthorised and ageing buildings, and legitimise housing for them.

The state urban development department (UDD) is in the process of drafting the scheme, which would reduce the minimum plot size of a 'mini-cluster' to 2,500 square metres, from the current 4,000 sq m. However, the mini-cluster scheme can be availed only if a minimum five buildings or more together apply for redevelopment.

To give the draft plan teeth, the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations will have to be amended. To this end, the UDD has called for suggestions...