The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, one of India’s most ambitious urban renewal efforts, has entered a pivotal phase as the April 15 deadline for submission of eligibility documents expired with no extensions granted.
Authorities confirmed that the next steps—verification and documentation finalisation—have now commenced in earnest, signalling a strong shift from data collection to implementation. Officials overseeing the Dharavi Redevelopment confirmed that no further appeals for deadline extensions would be entertained, and households or businesses that failed to submit their documents would now be categorised as unauthorised occupants. This clear directive marks a departure from previous phases where leniency was shown to accommodate participation. The administration is now positioning the project as a time-bound public housing transformation programme aimed at delivering sustainable urban infrastructure and housing equity in one of Mumbai’s most congested localities.
The groundwork has been extensive. As per official data, nearly one lakh residential and commercial units have already undergone physical measurement, with approximately 94,500 of these issued unique identification numbers. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) mapping has been used to digitally record around 89,000 structures, while on-the-ground verification for roughly 70,000 of them has been completed. The head of the survey operation confirmed that the preparation of Annexure-2—a formal document listing verified occupants—is now underway. This annexure will include a section for residents who either refused to cooperate or failed to submit the required documents. These individuals will be listed as “documents not received,” effectively excluding them from further rehabilitation benefits unless special cases arise.
While the strict cutoff may seem abrupt, officials stressed that it is necessary to maintain the momentum and credibility of the project, which aims to rehouse over one million people across Dharavi in new, regulated structures. The project’s broader goal is to transform Dharavi into a mixed-use urban space that integrates affordable housing, modern infrastructure, and commercial activity, all while ensuring minimal displacement and maximum inclusion. To ensure that no one is unfairly excluded, surveys are still being conducted in certain areas, especially where logistical challenges or legal complications have delayed door-to-door verification. Authorities said this final round of surveying would help confirm the authenticity of occupants and identify genuine claimants who may have been missed earlier due to unavoidable circumstances.
An official closely involved in the process reiterated that the government’s vision for Dharavi was “a rightful home for every eligible resident.” This includes addressing ambiguities related to upper-floor residents in multi-storey slum structures. To this end, affidavits have been sought in some instances solely for the purpose of verifying legitimate upper-floor dwellers and not to impose undue burden on residents. The emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and digital transparency has been a hallmark of the revamped Dharavi project. The use of cutting-edge technology such as LiDAR for accurate mapping and geotagging not only streamlines verification but also minimises human error. It reflects a significant policy shift towards smart urban governance, where data-driven decisions are prioritised to deliver long-term impact in dense urban clusters.
Despite the rapid developments, the project continues to face resistance from a fraction of the community. Some residents, apprehensive about losing their homes or sceptical of the government’s promises, have withheld participation. Officials now view this resistance as a roadblock that must be addressed through clear communication rather than policy relaxation. The administration maintains that further non-cooperation will only harm those refusing to engage with the process, as relocation and rehabilitation planning is already underway. This firm stand is driven not only by developmental urgency but also by the need to instil trust in a long-delayed project that has seen several failed attempts in the past. Authorities are keen to project confidence that this iteration of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project will move beyond intent and paperwork into visible transformation on the ground.
With construction work reportedly initiated in identified pockets, and layout planning under final review, the coming months will be critical for setting the tone of this generational urban upgrade. While challenges persist, particularly with reluctant residents and bureaucratic bottlenecks, the government’s decision to draw a line on documentation timelines sends a strong message
Dharavi Redevelopment Moves Forward as Deadline Passes Without Extension
