Residents reap benefits of redevelopment, and how!

Ever heard of people not going to promenades because their new homes make up for sight-seeing? That is precisely the case with the residents who moved into the houses given by the Avighna Group after their chawl, New Haji Kasam Chawl in Lalbaug, after redevelopment.

A distant sea view from one window and the city skyline from the other mean that the Shewales may not have to step out of their home.

“From where we have come, the only sight was of the flyover. Tall buildings surrounded our small homes,” said Pravanika Shewale, a 37-year-old homemaker who relives the joy of moving into her new house. Over 500 people share the same experience as the Shewales.

They have larger premises with better ventilation, more privacy, better lighting, 24-hour water supply and separate toilets. And all these facilities, without any investment!

“Every time relatives from my village come, they say it’s a good deal,” said Smita Yadav, another resident who lives in a 370 sq ft flat now. Earlier, she had a house with an area of 110 sq ft.

“Now that we have space, we even try to call our relatives,” she added. Increase in space has allowed residents to add furniture like washing machine, bed and other things.

Larger space, sunlight and constant breeze have helped residents save things on certain unexpected expenses.

“Till 7pm we do not feel the need to switch on lights. We save on electricity expenses,” said Shewale.