The 39-acre expanse where the Beggars Home is located in Chembur is the latest in a series of government properties being handed over for redevelopment to private developers in the run-up to the Assembly elections.

The foundation stone for the redevelopment project was laid on Thursday by Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. It marked the official handing over of the project to Zil Ventures (Naman Developers) on a Build Operate Transfer (BOT) basis.

The developer will pump Rs 334 crore into the project for rebuilding existing structures and constructing new ones. In return, the developer will get to construct 68,000 square metres of residential and commercial space on a quarter (10 acres) of the total land. This land will be given to the developer on a lease for 99 years. The developer stands to make a profit of Rs 100 crore through the built-up area alone.

The Beggars Home complex has rows of small barracks built half a century ago. The home was established under the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959, that makes begging in public places a punishable offence. Today, the barracks are in a state of extreme neglect and disrepair. It serves as a temporary home for 200 male and female beggars rounded up by the police and brought to the home to be reformed and imparted vocational training.

Also scattered around the complex are the Navjeevan Home for rescued commercial sex workers, the Kasturba Home for destitute women, an aanganwadi for children of inmates, two separate hostels for boys and girls, a dispensary and the staff quarters. Most part of the sprawling complex is filled with greenery.

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