Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, stands at a crossroads as ambitious redevelopment plans spark significant concerns among its residents and stakeholders.
s diverse industries—from pottery and leatherwork to recycling and garment manufacturing—contribute an estimated annual turnover of ₹10,000 crore. The dense network of informal and formal businesses has integrated Dharavi deeply into Mumbai’s economic fabric. Redevelopment threatens to disrupt this ecosystem, potentially jeopardising livelihoods and eroding a model of inclusive urban entrepreneurship. Political dynamics further complicate the redevelopment. Dharavi has historically been a bastion for regional parties opposed to the dominant Bharatiya Janata Party. The prospect of relocating or dispersing a concentrated voter base fuels political opposition and adds layers of contestation to the redevelopment process.
Urban planners caution that redevelopment must preserve Dharavi’s unique social and economic character rather than simply replace slums with high-rises. The site’s connectivity to Mumbai’s transport infrastructure—including suburban railways, metro lines, and the coastal road—makes it a coveted real estate hub. Projected land values near Dharavi could soar above ₹50,000 per sq. ft., making it a lucrative investment but raising the risk of gentrification and exclusion. The Maharashtra government’s approach involves enabling redevelopment through land swaps and transferable development rights (TDR), where developers must acquire a significant portion of their TDR from the Dharavi project’s special purpose vehicle. While officials assure that housing for all eligible residents will be provided, uncertainties remain over the rights of ineligible residents, industrial units, and smaller businesses, many of whom may be relocated to peripheral areas.
Environmental sustainability and inclusivity are critical challenges for this redevelopment. The plan envisions new housing with formal property titles for slum dwellers, a progressive step for tenure security. However, the project’s long timeline—estimated at a decade—and the sheer scale of relocation risk straining existing infrastructure and social cohesion. Redeveloping sensitive zones like former salt pans and cleared landfill sites demands rigorous environmental safeguards to ensure net-zero carbon emissions and resilient urban design. Dharavi’s redevelopment is more than a construction project; it is a test case for Mumbai’s ability to create a sustainable, gender-neutral, and equitable city. The redevelopment must reconcile economic vitality with social justice, preserving the community’s essence while upgrading living conditions and infrastructure.
As Mumbai embarks on this transformative journey, transparent governance, meaningful resident participation, and a commitment to environmental sustainability will be key to realising a truly inclusive urban future.
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