India, Oct. 6 -- A major misuse of a key civic regulation meant for road widening and rehabilitation of project-affected persons (PAPs) has come to light in Mumbai. Officials and real-estate developers are allegedly colluding to exploit the Development Control and Promotion Regulation (DCPR) 2034, specifically provision 33(12)(B), to benefit ineligible individuals instead of genuine residents.

Provision 33(12)(B) of the DCPR 2034 allows developers to clear structures that obstruct existing or proposed roads and, in return, receive additional Floor Space Index (FSI) as compensation. The 2023 circular issued by then civic chief Iqbal Singh Chahal clearly mandates that affected residents must be rehoused within the same ward, with developer...