Mumbai: The path-breaking cluster redevelopment project of Bhendi Bazaar, one of India’s most populous districts amidst bustling markets in south Mumbai, has finally taken off as the first phase of shifting commercial units was launched at a grand ceremony yesterday.
The Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT) that has undertaken this not-for-profit Rs30-billion project initiated by Dr Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin, the spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community, calls this an effort to transform the vibrant, but congested Bhendi Bazaar area into a space with better infrastructure and civic amenities.
“When completed, this would certainly be an inspiration to the rest of the country in solving the problems of congested cities,” Shaikh Abdeali Bhanpurawala, Secretary, SBUT, told Gulf News at his office in Bhendi Bazaar. The mammoth project is spread across 16.5 acres and comprises 3,200 homes in 250 existing buildings apart from 1,250 business establishments, impacting 20,000 people.
Various challenges have been met, with some still under way, like acquiring approvals from the Maharashtra government, Maharashtra Housing and Development Authority (MHADA), civic body and most importantly the acceptance and consent from the people — both owners and tenants — living or doing business here, he says. “Our biggest asset is the trust that has been built over the years through the philanthropic work of our spiritual leader,” he believes. It would take all of two and a half years for shifting residents, demolition and construction of new structures and amenities, he adds.
The SBUT takes pride in the fact that people are being moved to temporary accommodation that is furnished with attached bathrooms and essential amenities.
The first and only transit shopping complex — Mufaddal Shopping Arcade — was unveiled today and is expected to serve as a model for change from an unorganized chaotic market place into a well-planned shopping destination—designed to keep the flavor and spirit of Bhendi Bazaar intact. The SBUT has been emphasising that all cultural and religious structures will be retained. The architectural splendor of the Raudat Tahera, the Bohra dargah — will be the pivotal point of this complex.
Whilst a small section has reservations that the ‘natural fabric of the city’ will be lost in the redevelopment, Qureish Raghib, media associate, SBUT, says, “At stake are 80 percent of buildings that suffer from dangerous dilapidation and constant repairs. Several families are forced to share one toilet in the chawl type of buildings. The question that begs to be answered is whether or not the residents have a right to a better quality of life.” The state government stipulates that a minimum of 300 sq ft flats should be provided but the SBUT has decided to give 350 sq ft. after the redevelopment.
All the residents and businesses will be accommodated in buildings of varying heights ranging from seven to 40 storeys with the increase in height towards north so that all of them get the benefit of south-westerly winds.
