India, May 19 -- SVP Nagar is home to 98 chawls bought by residents from Mhada four decades ago. Ever since Mhada announced its plans for SVP Nagar in October 2025, residents have been wondering how cluster redevelopment will mesh with the plans of housing societies that initiated projects with private developers after 2007. "Redevelopment of ten chawls sold under the Economically Weaker Section is in varying stages. For the Low Income Group, although developers have been finalised, they cannot proceed because Mhada is not permitting it," alleges Ratnakar Ahire, former office bearer of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Nagar Rahiwashi Welfare Association. Ahire says Mhada is blocking redevelopment plans of societies that qualify for the minimum 4,000-sq m plot requirement for cluster redevelopment as the agency wants to bring them under the C&DA model. Another point of contention is the formula for additional carpet area proposed under the cluster scheme. Residents say the cluster policy benefits smaller tenements, while larger flat owners receive comparatively lower gains. Homes measuring 234 sq ft, 278.46 sq ft and 363.60 sq ft would receive 686.52-sq ft apartments. While owners of the smallest units would get 194% larger apartments, residents of High Income Group flats measuring 1,318.25 sq ft would receive 2,288.19 sq ft homes - an increase of 74%. "Mhada has not bothered to respond to our letters on the redevelopment issue," Ahire said. The welfare association is using the legal route to challenge Mhada's cluster scheme....