TALK OF THE TOWN: REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OF MUMBAI
Mumbai continues to thrive and is getting to be known for its redevelopment projects that are currently underway in renowned sections of its landscape. Dharavi, Bhendi Bazaar and Kamathipura are prime areas of the city and the most congested areas in Mumbai with extremely poor infrastructure facilities and sanitation. They are being reconstructed and retouched to give a much-needed facelift. DHARAVI Dharavi is the world’s largest slum area and is also one of the most crowded spaces in Mumbai, which required redevelopment and better planning. In 2003-2004, the Government of Maharashtra decided to redevelop this area into an integrated planned township. An action plan for implementation of Dharavi Redevelopment was approved by the authorities. This project will use land as a resource to cross-subsidize the cost of development through the sale component based on the slum rehabilitation scheme. Adani firm has been awarded the Dharavi redevelopment project with an initial investment of INR 5,069 Crore. The entire project, including the sale portion, is anticipated to be completed in 17 years and will create additional housing stock in Mumbai. KAMATHIPURA Kamathipura, located in South Mumbai, is known as one of the largest and oldest red-light districts in Asia. Redevelopment projects aimed at transforming Kamathipura into a better and brighter area have been discussed and initiated. MHADA, the state’s housing development body has been appointed as the nodal agency and special planning authority for the project. The project will be based on the lines of the BDD chawls redevelopment and will be held under Development Control Rule 33(9), which governs reconstruction or redevelopment of cessed buildings or urban renewal schemes in the island city. The vision behind the redevelopment effort is to improve the quality of life for the residents, provide better infrastructure, and address the social issues associated with the district. BHENDI BAZAAR Bhendi Bazaar has buildings dating back to the colonial era which are in a state of disrepair. Besides the dilapidated buildings, the residents of Bhendi Bazaar also experience poor infrastructure issues. The redevelopment project is undertaken by the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT). The project aims to redevelop the area into a modern and vibrant neighborhood while preserving its rich cultural identity and providing overall uplift. The ongoing rehabilitation project is razing off over 250 dilapidated buildings and constructing around 11 new high-rise towers to provide dignified living space to over 3200 households and 1250 shops. The first phase of the redevelopment project comprising two high-rise buildings Al Sa’adah Towers was completed in 2020. The ongoing buildings are Al-Ezz and An-Nasr. As Mumbai continues to grow and evolve, it is crucial to strike a balance between redevelopment and preservation to ensure that the city remains vibrant, better planned, and sustainable for existing and new generations. Smart redevelopment of prime areas are all set to transform the skyline of Mumbai, revitalizing neighbourhoods and the improved infrastructure will invite fresh businesses and investments.
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