A portion of Khotachiwadi, a 200-year-old heritage village in South Mumbai, has undergone a major transformation with the demolition of the Khanderao Block, also known as Khanderao Chawl. The structure, which once accommodated staff of affluent bungalow owners in the area, is among several buildings in Khotachiwadi Lane that have been cleared for redevelopment.
Although Khotachiwadi is designated as a Grade III heritage precinct, officials clarified that the demolished structures were located in the non-heritage section, even though the lane itself falls within the broader heritage zone. Civic regulations allow reconstruction in such areas, provided the new development does not disrupt the precinct’s architectural character or skyline.
The Khanderao Block was known for its distinctive Indo-Portuguese architectural style, featuring porches on each floor and a U-shaped layout surrounding a central temple. Recalling its charm, designer James Ferreira said, “These were some of the most beautiful three-storey Portuguese-style buildings, arranged in a U-shape with a temple in the centre.”
All 64 residents will be rehabilitated within the same site in a new 10-storey building planned across a 13,900 sq ft plot. Anuj Mehta, partner and CEO of the developer Dhuleva Group, stated, “There will not be any free sale flats coming up here.”
While residents have long campaigned to preserve Khotachiwadi’s old-world charm, concerns persist about rapid urban change. Some locals say the neighbourhood is becoming unrecognisable, with high-rises emerging nearby. However, the developer has assured that no high-rise will be constructed on this particular plot.
The project is being executed under Development Control and Promotion Regulations 33(7), with completion expected in the coming years. Residents, who earlier lived in compact homes of 120–200 sq ft, will receive significantly larger units of 450–500 sq ft, marking a major upgrade in living conditions.
Source: Hindustan Times
