Monsoons were a nightmare for Manohar Chavan and his family until last year, when they had to wade through knee-deep waters inside their dingy homes. But this year's it's a different story altogether.

For they have shifted from their slum dwelling to a seven-storey building in Dindoshi. Thanks to the latest and largest project completed under the state's Slum Rehabilitation Scheme.

The Chavans are among the 1850-odd families who in the last few months have moved from the slums near the airport to brand new buildings at Dindoshi. "Wahan sirf kichad aur gutter dekh sakte the.... yahan sundar nazara hai," says 31-year-old Chavan, a security guard in a private firm, who now spends hours at his window.

Mohammad Ghouse, a taxi driver, and his wife Shahnaz had been dreaming of shifting to a flat since the day they got married in 1989. But it just seemed impossible, says Shahnaz, until this opportunity came by. The couple has furnished their new home, painted the walls, bought a TV set and a music system. "We're living in a flat now," beams Mohammad. "Now we must live in style."

The buildings, designed by architect Hafeez Contractor, have elevators which will be operational soon. Each flat measures 225 sq feet and comprises a hall, kitchen with attached bathroom and toilet. The colony has 26 balwadis and an equal number of rehabilitation centres. There's also open space for children to play.

"We have great fun outside our building," says Sohail Usman, an eighth standard student, almost stressing proudly on the word 'building'.

"I wouldn't invite my friends to my earlier house," says 32-year old Fayyas Khan, cellphone company sales executive and whose wife is a school teacher. "But now, I'm eager to get my friends home."

For housewife Shaila Yadav (35), it's almost a miracle. "Kabhie nahin socha tha ki is janam mein building mein rahenge," she says. Her dream of having a neat and clean kitchen is finally fulfilled. Soon after shifting to the new flat, she bought a range of steel utensils to fill her kitchen cabinet. "Now my only concern is my kids. I hope this new environment helps them grow into good individuals."

Ujjwal Uke, Chief Executive Officer, Slum Rehabilitation Authority, says, "The change of place has brought about a change in the mind-set. It's a complete social transformation. There's a sense of responsibility, a better civic sense and a community feeling among them."