Mumbai, Feb. 5 -- The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has approved the long pending redevelopment of four unsafe transit buildings at Pratiksha Nagar, Sion. Mhada officials said the redevelopment was necessary to protect residents from the serious structural conditions of the buildings. The four buildings had developed structural cracks due to an underground water pipeline passing beneath them. Following residents' complaints, Mhada conducted a structural audit through IIT Bombay, which recommended the buildings' redevelopment. For this redevelopment, Mhada cancelled its proposal to sell Middle Income Group buildings and will instead construct new transit accommodation at the site. The decision is projected to benefit 261 families and four shop owners from transit buildings 36, 37, 53 and 54 in Pratiksha Nagar. As per the redevelopment plans, over the next two years Mhada will construct two new 22-storey buildings with 322 transit flats. Until the new buildings are constructed, Mhada has approved temporary accommodation for the project affected people. The housing authority will also support residents with their rent to ensure they are not left without shelter during the redevelopment process....