Mumbai Chief Minister Assures In Situ Rehabilitation For All Dharavi Industries
Mumbai Chief Minister has moved to alleviate anxieties among owners of small scale industries regarding the upcoming Dharavi redevelopment project, assuring them that no businesses will be displaced from the area. All eligible slum dwellers, along with industrial and other commercial establishments, are set to be rehabilitated within Dharavi itself. This commitment recognizes the locality’s significant role not merely as a residential zone but also as a crucial economic hub for the city.
A senior government official confirmed that facilities will be established to integrate these industries into a more organized sector. Acknowledging that many currently operate without formal records and thus do not pay taxes, the official announced a special five year tax holiday. This incentive aims to facilitate their transition into the organized economy, ensuring they can continue their livelihoods within the redeveloped area.
The Chief Minister also addressed allegations from the opposition concerning the allocation of large tracts of land to a private developer in the name of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. He clarified that the land is being allocated to the project’s special purpose vehicle, established as a joint venture between the state government and a leading private developer. This mechanism, he emphasized, ensures proper governmental oversight and control over the vast urban renewal initiative.
Furthermore, the project sets a precedent by also providing rehabilitation for those deemed ineligible under standard cut off dates. Initially, these residents will be housed in rental accommodations, with the provision that they will gain ownership after residing there for twelve years. Approximately ten lakh people are projected to receive their own houses through this scheme, which necessitates around five hundred forty one acres of land at various locations. This land is being allocated to the redevelopment authority itself. Of the total two hundred fifty one hectares of notified area in Dharavi, one hundred eight hectares are designated for rehabilitation, with the remaining land to be developed for essential amenities. The comprehensive project carries an estimated total cost of ninety five thousand five hundred ninety crore rupees.
This comprehensive redevelopment initiative reflects a profound commitment to inclusive urban planning and economic revitalization. By ensuring in situ rehabilitation and offering financial incentives, the project aims to transform Dharavi while preserving its unique economic and social fabric. This holistic approach is poised to benefit thousands of residents and businesses, creating a modern and sustainable urban landscape.
