Mumbai: Recent reports suggesting that a new residents’ association in Dharavi has endorsed the state government’s survey for the ambitious USD 3 billion redevelopment project.
According to a statement from the Citizen and Society Development Welfare body, the reports are a misrepresentation of their stance. The association has clarified that it does not support the ongoing survey, which is a crucial precursor to the large-scale redevelopment project. “We have been misquoted. We are not in favour of the survey and have not provided any support,” a representative from the association stated.
The group has called for greater transparency in the process and voiced their opposition to the survey, alleging it is part of a scheme to facilitate the eviction of Dharavi residents to benefit corporate interests. The survey, initiated on March 18, 2024, is a critical first step in the redevelopment of the sprawling 600+ acre Dharavi area. This mapping process, essential for formulating the Detailed Project Report (DPR), involves documenting over 21,000 tenements, including residential, commercial, and religious structures. The survey, conducted by the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Ltd (DRPPL), a joint venture between the Government of Maharashtra and the Adani Group, aims to gather comprehensive data to determine eligibility for rehabilitation under the proposed project.
Despite the official stance, Dharavi residents argue that the redevelopment plan, which deviates from the standard Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme, fails to address their concerns adequately. The plan promises new homes up to 350 square feet for eligible tenement holders, defined as those with proof of residency before January 1, 2000. However, residents are demanding residential spaces of 425 square feet and equivalent commercial spaces within their current locality.
As the survey progresses, the involvement of international consultants like Genesys International Ltd for 3-D mapping, Buro Happold Ltd for infrastructure assessment, and Sasaki Associates Inc for overall redesign highlights the project’s scale and complexity. Nonetheless, the opposition from Dharavi’s residents underscores the challenges facing the redevelopment initiative, reflecting broader concerns about equitable development and displacement.
