Redevelopment Transforms Slum Homes in Maharashtra

Pooja Gawali and her family transitioned from a tin shack to a new apartment. Gawali enjoys the privacy and has space for her sewing hobby. Her living room showcases her sewing machine. The project won an award for innovation.

Previously, Gawali lived a cramped life with her family, sharing a one-room space with no indoor plumbing. Their tin-made home leaked during rainfall. This confined lifestyle, typical in Sanjaynagar, lacked privacy, pushing Gawali to constantly stay vigilant.

In 2022, Gawali moved into a modern apartment in a three-story building with 33 units. Her family now resides across different floors, connected internally. This arrangement offers privacy while maintaining family intimacy.

The building is named Swapnapurti, meaning ‘dream fulfilled’ in Marathi. Each apartment features essential amenities and efficient insulation. The shared courtyard and corridors enhance communal activities and provide light and ventilation.

A key aspect of this transformation is the Sanjaynagar Redevelopment Project, driven by local government, charities, nonprofits, and the community. Families paid 10% of construction costs, aided by low-interest housing loans from Rang De, a peer-to-peer lending platform.

Contributors like Currystone Foundation, the PMAY housing scheme, and UN-Habitat praised the project for its community-led approach and potential for broader impact.

Architect Sandhya Janardhan emphasized integrating design with community values. The central courtyard fosters community events and shared activities.

Residents were encouraged to believe in the project, with Snehalaya fostering trust through long-term community work and aiding during relocation.

Snehalaya’s efforts in health and education established resident trust, which facilitated redevelopment. Their engagement transformed perceptions of the project from skepticism to support.

Anjali Naydu, a community representative, explained the apartments’ benefits in meetings, helping neighbors envision a new future.

Snehalaya and Janardhan provided materials for temporary shelters during construction, emphasizing the retention of social networks.

Savitha Yadava returned to the slum based on family advice, benefiting from improved living conditions and enhanced educational opportunities for her children.

The changes have filled residents with hope for improved futures, despite potential government-related delays due to housing law changes.

Pooja Suryavanshi looks forward to a more secure future for her son, reflecting the optimistic outlook of many families.