The year 2016 could probably herald a sea change in the fortunes of Bhendi Bazaar if everything goes as planned. Its much talked about Rs4,000-crore cluster redevelopment project has finally received the commencement certificate (CC) and works on the project are likely to commence soon.
"We have received the CC for our sub-cluster development from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). We will rehabilitate the tenants in this sub-cluster, providing them a minimum of 350 sq.ft carpet area and 300 sq.ft of commercial space under redevelopment plan. As many as 4,500 units will be constructed as part of the project," said Abbas Master, CEO of Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT).
It's the SBUT that has undertaken the 16.5-acre cluster redevelopment (33.9) plan, located in the heart of South Mumbai. It has already engaged the New York-based architect and designer firm, Perkins Eastman to work on the project.
The sub-cluster area is around four acres, and around 700 tenants and 300 commercial establishments will have to be rehabilitated. "We will complete this sub-cluster works in three to 3.5 years, while the entire project will take 10 years. It is one of the biggest cluster redevelopment in the entire country. The Centre and Maharashtra are supporting this model project and are keen on replicating it in other parts of India," Abbas Master said.
He said the unique features about the project are its self-sustainable and eco-friendly aspects. "Each cluster will have its own sewerage treatment and power plant. There will be rainwater harvesting facility and solar panels to generate electricity. While there is no green cover at present, the redeveloped area will have 700 trees of various categories. Besides, it will have a 3.5-km-long shopping street. It will be of multiple levels where people will enjoy the shopping experience," Abbas Master said.
"The proposed roads will be 15 to 16 metres in width, and huge area will be earmarked for parking and recreation, with emphasis on greenery," said Master adding, "Our primary agenda is to rehabilitate the people hit by the project."
Master said that the project will not only change the face of South Mumbai but also improve people's living condition. "It will transform Bhendi Bazaar into a diverse sustainable community with a healthy neighbourhood, creating a vibrant urban area," he said.
Since the inception of the cluster development programme in 2009, a total of 46 projects were planned. But, as of now, only a couple of them are expected to become a reality, and Bhendi Bazaar could be the first.
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