Mumbai: Out of the total 2,800 families who shifted from their old dilapidated buildings located at Bhendi Bazar in South Mumbai, 600 families will be handed over the keys in the initial phase of their new apartments; (after the state elections), said the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT) spokesperson. In this project, more than 80 shop owners have already been shifted to their new premises.
According to the SBUT, in this cluster redevelopment project of over 155 buildings have been demolished so far and more than 20 buildings are in the process of demolition. The remaining occupants are still being convinced to move out of their dilapidated structures before monsoon, said the SBUT spokesperson.
To encourage occupants to leave the premises so that it can pave way for construction of new buildings, the trust is giving them alternative accommodation in transit houses nearby. While those who do not want to live in transit houses they are being given rent as they move out.
All eligible residential tenants of the project having an area of up to 300 square feet are entitled to a rental compensation of Rs 30,000 per month. Those premises having carpet area of more than 300 sq ft are paid rental compensation at Rs 100 per sq.ft.
The ambitious cluster revamp project spread on 16.5 acres of land aims to improve congested infrastructure in the Bhendi Bazar area. So far for the construction of this project, all the costs are borne through charitable donations from other internal community trusts and members.
Apart from giving the new houses to original residents, the trust also explores the option of appointment of a developer who would recoup the expenses by selling incentive towers.
