Mumbai’s Bhendi Bazaar, a historic neighbourhood dating back to British India, is undergoing a transformative redevelopment that aims to set a new benchmark for sustainable urban living. Spearheaded by the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT), this ambitious project spans 16.5 acres and seeks to revitalise one of the city’s oldest areas while integrating modern infrastructure with environmental and cultural considerations.
The redevelopment plan encompasses the replacement of over 250 dilapidated buildings with 11 new high-rise towers, designed to accommodate more than 20,000 residents and 1,250 commercial outlets. The project focuses on enhancing the quality of life for existing residents, many of whom previously lived in cramped, substandard conditions, by providing them with modern, safe, and dignified housing. Central to the redevelopment is the incorporation of green infrastructure. The project plans to plant over 700 native trees and shrubs, creating a rare urban green lung in the heart of Mumbai. Landscaped podium gardens, open spaces, and children’s parks are being integrated within residential towers to enhance liveability. A North-South building orientation ensures optimal light and natural ventilation, reducing dependency on artificial climate control systems.
In terms of renewable energy, the development incorporates rooftop solar panels capable of producing nearly 600 kW of power, with solar-powered lighting installed in public areas such as staircases and streets. The electrical systems have been upgraded to limit energy loss and increase operational efficiency. SBUT has also given equal emphasis to water management. Rainwater harvesting mechanisms are in place across the site, and modern sewage treatment plants are designed to recycle water for non-drinking purposes. Enhanced stormwater drainage is expected to mitigate flooding risks, a crucial factor in Mumbai’s monsoon-prone environment. Efficient and hygienic waste disposal is addressed through vertical garbage chutes in every building, supporting the segregation of wet and dry waste. These are connected to a centralised disposal system for streamlined waste processing.
In addition to its environmental focus, SBUT continues to preserve the area’s cultural identity by retaining ten significant architectural structures. Transit hubs and pedestrian-friendly commercial lanes have been incorporated to support local commerce, thereby reducing displacement and ensuring continuity for the community. The blueprint presented by SBUT reflects its long-term vision of urban living that is deeply rooted in environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and sustainable growth. By embedding sustainability into each phase of development—from green cover and energy efficiency to waste processing and community integration—SBUT is offering a replicable framework for urban regeneration. Their approach stands as a compelling example of how ecological responsibility and cultural legacy can coexist in modern city planning.
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