- Project Evergreen

PROJECT RELATED – GENERAL

What is project Evergreen?
Project Evergreen is an initiative by the Alumni of IIT Bombay to support the institute in catering to its student housing needs. The number of students in the institute has increased significantly over the past decade – from about 3000 in the 1970s/80s to nearly 13000 in 2022 -- while most of the legacy hostels are now old and need refurbishment or replacement. The alumni of IIT Bombay have banded together through the IITB Alumni Association (IITBAA) and IITB Heritage Foundation (IITBHF) to help refurbish the old hostels and build new ones.

The project was conceptualized when some of our alumni, under the stewardship of Mr. Dhananjay Saheba (Class of '77, H5), came together to raise funds and refurbish Hostel 5. Emboldened by the success of this initiative, the alumni decided to replicate the same model for future hostels, where the alumni will lead the fundraising and the design and construction of new hostels.

As a next step in Project Evergreen, the alumni are raising Rs.187 crore (USD 22.8 mn) to create about 1,100- student hostel complex on the site of the current hostel 8. This state-of-the-art hostel complex is also being designed and constructed by the alumni and serves as a benchmark for future hostels.
Why are H7 and H8 being reconstructed?
Hostels 7 and 8 have been declared unsafe for occupation, evacuated, and demolished. Hostels 1-8 and the Ladies Hostel were built in the 1960s. They are past their design life. Overall, there is a net shortfall of around 6000 hostel rooms. This has resulted in hostels with double and triple occupancy.
Why is this an alumni-funded project? Why is IITB not funding it?
The government has recently opened up many new IITs, IIMs, and AIIMSs. MHRD has limited Capex funding available and is diverting it to the needs of the new institutions. It has asked the older IITs to find, on their own, external financing for Capex to replace the ageing infrastructure.

IITB's revenue streams via fees and consulting are adequate to cover OpEx incurred not funded by MHRD, and raising fees is not an option. The institute director has, therefore, reached out to alumni to help IITB alleviate student difficulties in housing. Project Evergreen is IITBAA's response. It is ambitious but necessary. The student need is dire.
How will these new hostels be better than the old H7 and H8?
These hostels will be better in several ways:

• The designs are based on a survey done with all stakeholders, including present students, the Institute administration, catering contractors, maintenance teams, etc. to understand their needs, their difficulties, and their priorities.

• H7 & H8 were built over 50 years ago. Technological advances in building materials, engineering processes and QC will all be incorporated in the new avatar.

• We are incorporating eco-friendly measures, using grey water recycling, solar energy generation, building layout and topography management to maximize natural ventilation and daylight in rooms and corridors. The tree count will not reduce. Some trees were cut with Municipality permission, but twice that number will be planted by IITB. Some big trees have been relocated to make space for construction footprint, and the majority have been retained.

• New student amenities include laundromats, study rooms for group study, spacious lounges, activity rooms, gyms, guest rooms for visiting family, a central plaza for students to interact, and a 24-hour café. The kitchen will serve 4400 meals daily across b/f, lunch, tiffin, and dinner.

• The project is led by alumni who are leaders in the construction industry – will ensure cost-effective and high-quality construction.
Is this the first co-ed hostel complex at IIT Bombay?
Yes and no. The girls and boys will be housed in separate residential towers. The dining hall, the plaza, canteen/café and other facilities will be shared. This presents an opportunity to drive economies of scale and lower the long-term cost of operating common facilities. This is a first step in moving towards truly mixed living facilities as in universities abroad.
What social spaces are you creating in the new hostel complex?
Each hostel floor has multiple breakout areas where the wing members can hang out. Other shared facilities include a mess/dining area, study rooms, gym, music rooms, and breakout areas. Standard amenities, such as a dining area, study, foyers, recreational areas, and cafeé, are on the two lower levels. The project creates a healthy and thriving social network through multiple social spaces.
Maintenance. Who is going to maintain the building?
As things stand, the responsibility of maintenance will lie with IITB. However, we plan to propose to the institute that they allow the alumni to maintain the hostel through the Alumni Association-appointed staff once we have completed the financial closure on the construction. It is expected that resident students will also have a part to play. We plan to formalize the maintenance plan after the construction.
What will happen if you cannot raise sufficient funds?
The project execution has been structured in two phases. In phase 1, we completed the design, received approvals, and generated the tender document. This has been achieved through the generous donations of 28 alumni (Charter Donors) who contributed Rs. 4 crs.

Phase 2 involves construction, for which we have already received Rs. 50 crores and have pledges of another Rs. 40 crores. In the unlikely event if we do not raise money, the project will be handed over to IITB to enable them to complete it with their funds. Of course, it is anticipated that we will raise the money and complete the project by no later than June 2025.
How many student rooms will the complex have?
There will be a total of 848 residential rooms across the three hostels. 33% of these will be double rooms, and the balance will be single rooms.
How many students will be accommodated across the three hostels in Project Evergreen?
The total number of students that can be accommodated will be 1127. However, a plan is to keep some rooms aside for guests and family visitors.
Given the shortage of rooms at IITB, why was the number of rooms not increased to 1200 instead of 850 odd), and the common areas reduced at the same project cost level?
We are building a space that students can call home without giving them a feeling of being stuffed like sardines in a can. We have learned as much in the hostel as in the classrooms. We want future students to have a similar experience of hostel life. Note that in the same area where we had only 250 students, we are already accommodating 1127 by growing vertically.
Will IITB, after this hostel is built, add more beds and increase the student strength from 1127 to 1800?
Unlikely, they are building more hostels with the object that a premier institute like ours requires the students to have a good living experience.
Why do you have study rooms when everyone has a study table in their room?
The idea is to get the students to interact with others. The unique experience of growing up with lifelong friends is only to be had in IITs.
Why do you have activity rooms when the gymkhana is across the road?
Limited facilities are planned within the complex to supplement what already exists on campus, which also needs enhancement with the growing student population.

CONSTRUCTION RELATED

What is the estimated turnaround time for completion of this project?
The class of 2025-2026 will become the first students to occupy the complex. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 24, 2023, and construction is now in full swing.
How will project management be done?
We have instituted a robust governance framework for Evergreen. Several of IIT alumni and staff committees monitor all aspects of the project. The project planning committee comprised domain specialist alumni and IITB's Associate Dean IPS. The director and Dean IPS have been involved in the critical meetings. 2by3, a firm of two architects, was commissioned to study all stakeholders and develop a design brief.
Eight architect firms were asked to submit preliminary interest statements. Four were shortlisted to present their conceptual designs to a jury of eminent architects plus Dean (IPS). Architects (DCOOP) were consequently selected and appointed.
A Project management company has been appointed to manage the project: Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL). A construction committee comprising Alumni and the Dean (IPS) will monitor the design and construction.
What elements of H7 and H8 will be taken to the new hostels?
Keeping with the concept of circular construction as an aspect of sustainability, some materials from the previous hostels that have structural reliability will be reused. These could include items like Doors, wooden shutter mainframes, Door material, staircase blocks and compound wall bricks, Basalt stones, Kota stone on entrance pathways and staircase, Shahabad stone on the path, paver blocks wherever present, a plaque at the entrance, and any other loose items.
The H8 site had many trees. What will happen to them?
While designing this complex, the priority was preserving trees and planting as much as possible. That's why we also call it the Cloister in the Forest/Wild Acres - A design inspired by the invaluable natural habitat and unique social life of IIT Bombay. We have protected most of the trees on site by planning a footprint nearly on the old hostel.
Is the sustainability aspect being taken into consideration?
Advice from a sustainability consultant was sought during the design phase. The resulting design has numerous sustainability features, such as preservation of most of the trees, solar panels, room layout to take maximum advantage of natural wind flow, circular construction, and greywater recycling. We expect to get a Griha 4 rating for the complex.
How big are the rooms in the new hostels?
On average: Single room - 8.6 sq. mts; Double room - 15.6 sq. mts
What is the built-up area of the complex?
The total built-up area of the complex, including common areas and terraces, is approx. 34,500 sq. mts. The ground and first floor have approx. 9,500 sq. mts. built-up area and include the common facilities such as the dining rooms, kitchens, lounges, gyms, music rooms, etc.

However, the eight residential floors across three hostels have a built-up area of approx. 25,000 sq. mts, including the toilets, breakout spaces, passages, stairways, lifts, and pantries. The total carpet area of all rooms will be approx. 9,500 sq. mts. The built-up area is approx. 12,500 sq. mts.
We don't see a parking area for bicycles and two-wheelers. Is there a plan for this?
There is a parking space provided for bicycles.
How many mess chairs will be there? Can 1150 students be served in 1.5 hours for b/f, lunch and dinner?
The dining room is planned to seat 650 students at a time. Hence, all students can be fed in two sittings.
Is one single lounge adequate for 750 students of H7 and H8?
No. If they all need to gather, the open ground and "amphitheatre" between the hostels will be used for assembly. We hope the space will become an active place for students to hang out.
Will the complex have wifi? In rooms and common areas? Will there be internet access in rooms?
Yes.
Please share architecture drawings/municipal-approved drawings.
The typical floor plans are available on the Website.
The room size seems to be too small. How does it compare to single rooms of H 6, 7, and 8?
At 8.6 sq. mts for a single room and 15.6 sq. mts for a double room on average, the rooms are slightly larger than old H 7 and 8 rooms.
What are the furnishings in each room?
Each room has a bed, table, chair and cupboard.
Housing for mess workers/others?
There is a provision for a workers' dormitory.
What is the construction quality?
It is planned to be the best, without it being luxurious.
What is the Per capita outdoor open area of old H 7 vs new?
This hostel complex is on the old Hostel 8 site. The design has tried to keep the same footprint as the old H8 to preserve the trees as far as possible. Still, the open area will reduce by about 25% compared to the old. The open space per student will not be comparable as student strength will quadruple on the same site.
What is the Per capita indoor area of old H 7 vs new?
We do not have the original maps of H 7 (now demolished), but the new building will have approx. 22 sq. mts. / person of residential space, and 30 sq. mts./person if you include the common areas on the ground and first floors.
Are there Podium/parking areas?
There is a cycle parking area.
Can you provide Recreational and Sports facilities details?
The complex will have separate lounges, common music/dance rooms and open space for sports between the hostels. Also, the gymkhana with all the facilities is across the road.
Who are the construction firms?
The general contractor is Afita Construction Pvt. Ltd. Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) is the project manager.
What is the permitted FSI for the project site?
IIT has a global FSI for the campus, but there are other restrictions on heights and distances, etc. We comply with the current regulations and have all the requisite permissions from the BMC.

ALUMNI AND DONOR RELATED

Will I get a tax benefit by donating to the project?
Yes, you can, based on where you live and where you donate from. This project is being funded through the US and India alumni bodies – IITBHF and IITBAA to facilitate tax benefits. The US-based alumni can contribute to IITBHF and get their tax breaks per US laws.

Indian individual alumni will donate to IITB and get a 100% tax break under section 80(g).

The rest of the world's alumni should donate to the IITBAA through the specified FCRA account. There are no tax breaks, unfortunately.

Indian Corporations, trusts and foundations will donate to IITBAA and get their tax break wherever applicable because IITBAA has an 80(G) certificate and is eligible for CSR donations. The CSR registration number is CSR00009269.

Lastly, please check if there are matching benefits that your company offers. This will make your donation stretch longer for the benefit of IITB.
How can I contribute? What difference will it make?
There are various ways to support the project:
a. Personal financial support: You can contribute by making a financial donation to the institution based on some of the methods listed on this site

b. Volunteer your connections with Corporations: Bring your company leaders to the IITB team to explore CSR-based donation opportunities.

c. Give the project your time: Contact us if you want to join the execution team. You could be an ambassador for your batch. We are sure you can contribute to the success.

d. Spread the word: The project team needs champions like you to spread the word to potential donors who would like to champion this cause.

Every bit matters, and every brick matters. Small or big, for us, every contribution adds more bricks to the wall (or, should we say, the new hostels)!
I wasn't in either H7 or H8. Why should I contribute?
Here is the good news: Donating Rs. 7 Lacs (US $10K) or more can get naming rights in the new and old hostels. For example, you can name a wing in H3 or H6 by donating Rs: 50 lacs or USD 70K.

The students’ need is dire, and IITB’s need to provide a solution is urgent. Capex funding from the Govt has dried up for various reasons, so the benevolence of alumni is critical to alleviate cramped accommodation. Most of the campus of old (Hostels 1-10, MB, Convo, depts, staff qtrs etc.) are over 50 years old and past their designed life.

If not us, then who? Do think about it. If you do decide, IITB and the students will be grateful for your benevolence.

There are several compelling reasons to consider donating:
a. Supporting Education: By donating to your alma mater, you are contributing to creating an environment suitable for education for the current generation
b. Impact on Students: Your donation can directly impact students' lives, and your inscribed name would create its legacy.
c. Personal Fulfillment: Many individuals find personal fulfilment in philanthropy. Knowing that your donation is making a positive impact can be emotionally rewarding.
d. Tax Benefits: Depending on your location and tax laws, charitable donations may offer tax benefits, such as deductions or credits, which can make your giving more financially efficient.
e. Setting an Example: Your donation can set an example for others, including family, friends, and colleagues. It can inspire them to consider charitable giving as well.
Lastly, the Alumni and the Institute have undertaken a path-breaking collaboration, and we must succeed. The alumni are involved in many different aspects of decision-making through this project.
How can I share this news with someone I know?
https://acr.iitb.ac.in/evergreen/ provides an excellent introduction to the project. You can write to us at amitshukla.iitbaa@iitbombay.org for more specific requirements. You may also explore this YouTube video -- https://youtu.be/CAakiUQWIp4
Will you acknowledge individual donations made?
Yes, we will. Every donor will be acknowledged no matter how small the donation is
How do we know our money will be spent on Project Evergreen instead of elsewhere?
We have created separate accounts within the IITBHF, IITBAA and IITB to collect the donations for the Project Evergreen account. All expenditure on the project is approved by the project management company, the architect, and the construction committee before being cleared by the Treasurer of the Alumni Association. NM. Raiji &Co, a reputed chartered accountant firm, has been appointed to maintain accounts and DSK Associates, IITBAA auditors, will audit. The legal firm of ELP has scrutinised all agreements to ensure legal compliance. Insurance advisors are Prudent Brokers.
What if the money raised is more than what Project Evergreen needs? What will happen to the surplus?
As mentioned earlier, if we have a surplus, we will put it aside for maintenance of the hostel and to kick start the next Alumni hostel project.
Will donors be able to see the accounts for the project?
We report on the progress of the project and the summary of fund utilisation in the monthly report to all donors. The quarterly, detailed accounts are shared with IITBHF and IITB. The audited statements will be shared annually with all donors and members of the IITB Alumni Association. The information is also available on the Evergreen website.
What are the terms of naming opportunities?
Alumni can choose to name the room they stayed in. Naming rights are available for specific room numbers, wings, or entire floors. The details are on the Evergreen website. You may also write to Amitshukla.IITBAA@iitbombay.org. Naming acknowledgements for any room/wing/floor will all be in one place on the same floor of each hostel.
How can one name a room, wing, or lounge in the older hostels?
For rooms in Project Evergreen, see Q55 above. Alumni can also donate to Project Evergreen now and get an acknowledgement in the hostel of their choice later when their hostel gets rebuilt.
What does naming rights for 15 years mean?
Donors of rooms, wings, floors and facilities have the exclusive right to the name for fifteen years. No other donor or entity can share the naming right in this period. We anticipate major maintenance after fifteen years, to keep the complex from degrading. The donor will have the first right of refusal to keep their exclusivity for another fifteen years by opting for an incremental sponsorship. If the donor does not exercise their rights, their exclusivity will lapse. For example, if the donor has an exclusive naming right for a floor, the donor may have to share the floor naming right with another donor after fifteen years. For purposes of clarity, individual student room sponsorship does not carry an exclusivity option.

STUDENT RELATED

By building a modern hostel, will we create different types of accommodations? Who will decide which student gets better housing?
This is not a unique problem to this complex. The campus housing already has different quality and size rooms. Dean Student Affairs has created policies to address the issue.
Is IITB ready for a co-ed hostel complex?
Yes. The complex is a hybrid co-ed facility. The H21, the women's hostel, will share some common facilities with H7 & H8, the men's hostels, on the same site but with separate residential blocks.
What are we doing to protect girls' safety?
CCTV will be installed at designated locations with prohibitions for entry into particular spaces per institute guidelines. As it has been followed earlier, there will be no compromise on the girl's safety, security and privacy. The design incorporates this, and IITB has been part of the decision-making.
How are we protecting the hostel culture we grew up with?
Each hostel has a distinct identity (Hostel 7 is the Lady of the Lake, H8 Woodlands and H21 newly named Raintree, and the whole complex is to be called Wild Acres), and within that, the design permits the creation of wings (11 to 17 rooms) that can bond as we did in the olden days. The project creates a healthy and thriving social network through multiple scales of social spaces, including 75 breakout spaces staggered across different floors. More formal interaction spaces for bringing together larger groups are on the lower floors.
Recently, the students have regularly moved from one hostel to another during their 4/5 year of stay. Will the students stay in the same complex for the entire period?
That is one of the recognised problems due to the paucity of rooms. Evergreen should help alleviate some of that for students to maintain consistency in their living areas. During the initial years, they will stay in the double occupancy rooms to feel supported. In the later years, they will shift to single occupancy rooms as per the allocation norms. We are requesting IITB that all of this would be in the same hostel.
Why aren't all the rooms single rooms? Why do some students have to share rooms while others get single rooms?
Our pre-design survey indicated that new entrant students from smaller towns prefer to share a room as they get a buddy while they adapt to city, IIT and hostel life. During the earlier days, some students need the support of someone as they are new to the hostel environment. Hence, it is always good that they stay with someone of their rank to feel less homesick. This was one of the requests from the student side. As they get more settled, they will move to single-occupancy rooms.

COST RELATED

What is the estimated cost, and how do I get updates on progress to date?
Phase I: Design and Permits: Completed. Approx. cost was Rs 4.16 crores.
Phase II: Construction cost ~ Rs. 160 crores plus taxes, USD 20 Million plus taxes. It is further broken into three milestones, each requiring approximately Rs. 50 Cr. As of September 2023, we have collected the first 50 Cr. and have additional pledges for 40 Cr.
Project updates are published in a monthly newsletter to all donors and posted on official IITBAA media. Those who do not receive it can reach out via email to amitshukla.iitbaa@iitbombay.org
How does the cost per sq. mts. of the project compare with market rates and other constructions at IITB?
The estimated cost of construction fully furnished comes to around Rs. 4,300 without taxes, which is comparable to the market cost. We hope to reduce this further by getting materials at discounts from donor corporates. The construction cost in the market may range from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 6,000/sq. ft. Moreover, IITB's estimates for their other hostels are in the same range per sq. ft., even though they are of the more traditional design.
What are the project's Landscaping costs?
It is estimated at Rs. 85 lacs, including taxes.
What are the project's estimated maintenance charges?
Approx. 2% of capital costs or around Rs. 2000/month/student.

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