Malad-based Shreeji Sharan Developers convert a new property into a COVID-19 Hospital

Even as Mumbai battles with the highest number of COVID cases in India (last pegged above 61,000), many Mumbaikars are stepping up to help others through this adversity. Shreeji Sharan Developers, a builder based in the city, has decided to help uniquely too. They've decided to hand over a newly constructed, ready-to-move-in building complex to the city's municipal body.

The private builder handed over their 19-storey 'Sreeji Paradise' 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, in fact, 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 hotspot, where cases would likely double in the next 17 days. When MP Gopal Shetty suggested that we lend the building to the effort, we immediately agreed to do so. 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." said Mehul Sanghavi, the owner of Shreeji Sharan Developers.

Till now, 300 patients have been transferred to the building, with four patients to a flat. Their treatment is continuing within the building premises.

Gopal Shetty, MP from Malad played an essential role in this move. The North Mumbai legislator has been working towards ensuring adequate space for COVID patients in the area. He had gotten in touch with Mehul Sanghvi and convinced him to provide the building for the cause.

"We're happy that people like Mehul Sanghvi have set aside personal interests, in a bid to serve the greater good during these difficult times. We hope that others come forward and collaborate for such gestures, helping us save as many lives as possible. The building has been given to us as a Corona hospital and quarantine centre. We believe that this first-of-its-kind gesture will help us serve the ailing patients better", said Sanjay Kabre, ward officer from Malad.