The survey of 8,500 houses has been completed, marking a crucial step towards determining resident eligibility for new homes. This comprehensive survey, which commenced on March 18, has made substantial progress, with authorities now focusing on finalising the allocation of new residences to eligible residents.
The survey effort encompasses not only residential properties but also commercial and religious buildings, with a total of 21,000 constructions assigned survey numbers. This extensive data collection is being carried out by 30 dedicated teams, braving various weather conditions to ensure accurate results. Last week, local support was galvanised after some workers were expelled by residents for hindering the survey process, underscoring the community’s vested interest in the project.
A distinctive feature of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is its commitment to ensuring that no current resident is left without housing. The plan stipulates that both eligible and ineligible residents will receive new homes, with eligible beneficiaries being allocated 350 square feet of space and ineligible ones receiving 300 square feet. Importantly, the project’s “key-to-key” promise means that many residents will move directly into their new homes without interim relocation to transit camps.
The redevelopment initiative, spearheaded by the state government’s Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) in partnership with Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL) of the Adani Group, aims to transform Dharavi into a modern urban enclave. This ambitious plan includes high-rise buildings, enhanced infrastructure, and the development of community facilities such as halls, gardens, dispensaries, and childcare centres.
The survey process began in Kamla Raman Nagar near Matunga Road station and utilised advanced technologies like Lidar mapping and a bespoke application for document scanning. This data will be pivotal in establishing eligibility for resettlement and creating a ‘Digital Dharavi’—an innovative database representing one of the world’s largest slums.
