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Mumbai: Placed in the heart of South Mumbai, Bhendi Bazaar is a mosaic of closely-knit communities and Bazaars which have woven a unique culture over the years. Originally formed to support the housing needs of traders, Bhendi Bazaar has witnessed a gradual decline in its infrastructure over the years due to inefficient policies and neglect by its owners. The 150-year-old ageing infrastructure, dilapidated buildings, lack of open spaces and outdated sanitation facilities has caused a decline in the standard of living.
It was in 2009 when the journey of upliftment in Bhendi Bazaar began with the introduction of the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Project (SBUP).
Bhendi Bazaar facts:
More than 80% of the buildings are old and worn-out and have been declared dilapidated unfit for living by the Maharashtra state housing body, MHADA.
More than 90% of the tenants were living as tenants with no ownership rights.
Majority of the population lived in less than 300 sq. ft area.
Chawls’ and cramped up tenements which could support just 2-3 people.
The area lacked any form of greenery with just a single tree standing.
The beginning
Saifee Burhani Upliftment Project is a non-profit endeavour of Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT). Established by the 52nd al-Dai al-Mutlaq His Holiness Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, the vision of the project is to uplift the lives of 20,000 people and transform the unhealthy locality into a planned and sustainable neighbourhood.
A neighbourhood that will meet the present and future socio-economic needs of diverse communities living and working in the area. Currently, the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq and the leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin is guiding the project to bring his father’s vision to fruition.
The redevelopment comprises 16.5 acres of land with more than 250 decrepit buildings, 3200 families and 1250 shops, all of which are incorporated into a state-of-the-art sustainable development with 12 new buildings, wide roads, modern infrastructure, more open spaces and highly visible commercial areas.
Al-Sa’adah: A promise fulfilled
The first two rehab buildings of the Project.
Backed by meticulous planning and thoughtful implementation, the Al-Sa’adah Towers are the first two rehab high-rise towers of the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Project to have been constructed from the ground up. With breath-taking views of the iconic Raudat Tahera Mausoleum, the Arabian Sea and the city itself, the towers stand as a testimony to the promise made to the people and symbolize what the future holds for the people and city at large.
From tenants to owners
Over 90% of the residents who had been living as tenants for decades in old Bhendi Bazaar had no ownership rights. Inspired by Fatimi architecture, the new Al Sa’adah towers is a state-of-the-art structure designed to encourage a sustainable way of living for 610 families and 128 businesses. These 610 tenants have now returned as the owner to the new residential flats that have a minimum carpet area of 350 sq. ft. per 1 BHK.
The construction of the towers – one 36 stories and the other 41 stories – began in 2016 and got completed in the record time of 45 months.
Project Datapoints
The entire 16.5 acres project is divided into 7 self-sustained sub-clusters.
Previously no defined parking space is available in the area. The project to provide parking for approx. 3500 cars.
The redeveloped area will have 700 trees & shrubs planted
Inhabitants who were tenants before will now return as owners
Residents will get a minimum of 350sqft carpet area and shops will get the space equivalent to the current holding area.
Towards a sustainable future
The old structures suffered from several infrastructural issues including outdated sanitation and fire & safety measures. Families were forced to live in cramped spaces that lacked fresh water, open spaces and proper sanitation, like shared bathrooms, leaving them susceptible to health hazards and natural calamities
The entire complex has been planned holistically to encourage an eco-friendly way of living. Each apartment includes two separate bathrooms and comes with quality fittings and fixtures and ample water storage facilities. Other sustainable infrastructure aspects include a sewage treatment plant in the lower basement that would recycle water for reuse, a pump room with separate pumps for domestic and commercial use and an organic waste converter to convert wet waste into compost.
Carrying the peoples’ first policy forward, these towers have also taken socio-cultural activities into prime consideration. The two towers have been designed to include a recreational area with lush greens gardens, including myriad unique species of trees, and a kid’s playground and various other amenities like a Prayer room, multi-purpose hall, activity rooms, and separate gymnasium rooms for both ladies and gents.
The new complex has proved especially life-saving during the Covid-19 pandemic, providing the residents with a safe and hygienic environment to live in.
Creating opportunities for commercial success
A key aspect of the urban renewal of the Bhendi Bazaar redevelopment project is to generate more employment opportunities and wider socio-economic benefits for the people in the area and beyond. The modernized infrastructure which now comprises of the new age technology systems and facilities will aid growth and open new avenues for the businesses in the area. The area is on the path of becoming livelier with Mumbai’s first organized high street shopping experience.
A beacon of hope
The Covid-19 pandemic brought to light the dire need for upgrading the city’s infrastructure and finding a sustainable solution to the long-standing problems of deteriorating structures unable to support exploding populations, unplanned development and lack of inclusive planning. Therefore, urban rejuvenation and smart city projects provide the best possible solution for a comprehensive area development – institutional, physical, social and economic infrastructure by transforming existing unplanned areas into a planned neighbourhood.
Being India’s largest cluster redevelopment project to date, the project kindles hope of a better life for millions living in appalling conditions and provides a blueprint for other future urban renewal projects across the country.
Phase 1
The first phase of the project, i.e., Al Sa’adah Towers, was completed in 2020. Over 610 families and 128 shop owners have come back to the new rehab towers. Both residential and commercial inhabitants who were living and working as tenants before have now come back as Owners to their apartments and shops.
As per the Trust’s plans, the aim to complete the next phase of the project by 2025 and bring the people of Bhendi Bazaar back to their new homes and shops at the earliest.
During the construction, a temporary on-site transit facility was built for commercial tenants right in the heart of the project in sector 2A to ensure minimum to zero displacements to businesses while the construction work is underway. This first of its kind facility made for commercial purposes within a redevelopment project, highlighted the Trust’s people first policy in taking care of the needs and requirements of the community.
Phase 2
After a long halt in operations over the COVID-19 lockdown, SBUT acquired necessary permissions on the layout for Phase 2 of the project and has begun construction for the same.
