MUMBAI, Nov. 14 -- The state government has introduced a policy allowing buildings in Mira Road and Bhayandar to be grouped into smaller clusters for redevelopment, making more plots viable for builders. The Mini-Cluster Redevelopment policy, introduced by the Urban Development Department (UDD) on November 3, relaxes norms adopted by the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC). It reduces the minimum land area from 10,000 sq m to 2,500 sq m and the minimum number of buildings from five to three. Government sources said Bhayandar would benefit most, as several ageing buildings could not meet the earlier requirements. The policy could set a precedent across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The provision followed efforts by state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, who took up the issue on behalf of Mira Road residents. Part of the area falls in Ovala-Majiwada, his assembly constituency. The process began after Sarnaik met UDD officials and the MBMC municipal commissioner a year ago. They decided to frame a mini-cluster model with relaxed norms and submit it to deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the UDD and represents Thane. The new rules also reduce the minimum road width from 18 metres to 12 metres. Permissible floor space index (FSI) will be the amount needed to rehabilitate existing occupants and tenants, plus an incentive FSI of 0.50, or a total FSI of 4.00, whichever is higher. Sarnaik called the policy a "milestone". Discussions began after five dilapidated buildings on Rani Sati Marg in Bhayandar (west) put the future of 178 families at stake. "This is a historic milestone that will lay the foundation for the future redevelopment of the entire Mira-Bhayandar city and secure the future of thousands of families," he said....