BDD chawls tenants get glimpse of future

Sample flats meant for residents of BDD chawls, that were put on display at Lower Parel and Naigaon in February, have already received more than 12,000 visitors. The 2BHK flats measure 500 sq ft, more than three times the existing 160 sq ft rooms.

On day one itself, the sample flat in Lower Parel saw more than 100 residents thronging it for a glimpse. Apart from the swanky, spacious apartments that have two bedrooms, a hall and a kitchen, the residents are most looking forward to the two bathrooms as they have been using common toilets in the chawls. The residents are expected to move into the flats over the next three to seven years, by when the flats are said to be worth almost Rs 2 crore.

Sarita Kurade, a housewife who stays with her in-laws in the Lower Parel BDD chawl, said, "The flat is spacious and rooms are big. Right now we are six people staying in one small room. If they make flats like this, it will be a good place for us to stay."

Aniket Sakpal, who stays in the BDD chawl in with his brother, his family, and parents, said, "I think the houses will be of good quality as the buildings are being constructed by L&T. The sample flat looks good. It is a lucrative option for families like mine. It is any day better than our current situation."

Another resident, Damyanti Solanki, was unhappy as the sample flat didn't include a verandah while a few residents are worried about maintenance costs. However, Sakpal said, "It will be maintenance-free for the first 10 years after which we will have to shell out money which I don't think is much."

MHADA officials claim that the buildings will be ready in seven years, some in five and a few others in three years. While most of the space will be used for rehabilitating existing tenants, the remaining shall be sold in the market at affordable rates.