Mumbai: With over 61,000 cases, Mumbai is battling the highest number of COVID-19 cases in India, but that's not stopping many Mumbaikars stepping out of adversities and helping others. A Malad-based builder found his own way to volunteer for this pandemic.
Shreeji Sharan Developers, a builder, has decided to come up with this way to contribute to society. They've decided to hand over a newly constructed project, ready-to-move-in building complex to the city's municipal body for the coronavirus patients.
The 19 storied building 'Sreeji Paradise' has been given to the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai as space to hospitalise COVID-19 patients in the area. The building, located on SV Road in Malad, has 130 flats, for which it had received an occupation certificate from the State government. It was ready to be handed over to the flat owners.
"The country is going through a difficult phase right now. It's our responsibility to ensure that we step up and serve the nation to our best abilities. Locally speaking, our area, Malad is a COVID-19 hotspot, where cases would likely double in the next 17 days. When Member of Parliament Gopal Shetty suggested that we lend the building to the effort, we immediately agreed to do so" said Mehul Sanghavi, the owner of Shreeji Sharan Developers.
"Rather than meet financial goals, we've decided to hand over the building to the municipality to house COVID patients in the area. We have also decided to bear the costs for the buyers, by providing them rent for their flats for the period, from our coffers", he added.
Till now, 300 patients have been transferred to the building, with four patients to a flat. Their treatment is continuing within the building premises.
Sanjay Kabre, ward officer from Malad, appreciated the gesture.
"The building has been given to us as a Corona hospital and quarantine centre. We believe that this kind of gesture will help us serve the ailing patients better," said Kabre.
