Pooja Gawali moves into award-winning apartment in Sanjaynagar slum redevelopment project
Pooja Gawali, a 32-year-old resident of the Sanjaynagar slum in Maharashtra, India, has moved into a new apartment building that provides significant privacy and space. Previously living in a cramped one-room tin shack with no indoor plumbing, Gawali now resides in a multi-family building featuring individual living rooms, kitchens, and balconies. The project, known as the Sanjaynagar Redevelopment Project, is a community-led initiative involving a partnership between the local government, charitable donors, and nonprofits. Architect Sandhya Janardhan and the nonprofit Snehalaya have been instrumental in leading the project, ensuring that residents remain in their original location to preserve social bonds. The redevelopment is funded through a mix of low-interest loans, federal government housing schemes, and philanthropic donations. The project has already received recognition for its innovative and sustainable design, winning a Silver award at the World Habitat Awards. While legal and policy changes are expected, the project continues to provide a secure and improved living environment for the families involved.