Naidu praises Bhendi Bazaar redevelopment project

MUMBAI, June 25: The Bhendi Bazaar redevelopment project of Mumbai today came in for praise from the Centre at a function where Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched three mega flagship schemes that seek to transform urban India. Read more: Notes from Ground Zero: Smart Cities, AMRUT & Housing for All missions launched The project, that aims to transform Bhendi Bazaar, a congested commercial and residential locality in the heart of Mumbai, was showcased and identified as the 'national best practice project for inner city redevelopment' by the Centre, said the trust that is implementing the Rs 4,000-crore plan. Modi launched the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Smart Cities Mission and Housing for All (Urban) schemes in New Delhi. Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu, who was present at the event, applauded the much-talked about project. The project undertaken by the Dawoodi Bohra community to redevelop Bhendi Bazaar is a perfect smart city prototype, Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT) quoted Naidu as saying at the event. The minister said the transformation that will take place in Bhendi Bazaar will set a model for other urban renewal plans in India. The ambitious redevelopment project spread across 16.5 acres will have 17 new environment-friendly buildings installed with efficient sewage treatment plant, solar panels, rainwater harvesting and garbage handling & disposal system. The project is a template for urban rejuvenation and transformation for other inner-city developments across India, said SBUT.