Dharavi residents are at a crossroads that could shape their future for generations. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has issued a final call for all eligible residents to submit their verification documents to secure a place in the city’s ambitious redevelopment project.
This deadline is not just a matter of paperwork it could determine who benefits from improved living conditions, modern infrastructure, and new economic opportunities. The redevelopment project, managed by Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd a joint venture between the Maharashtra government and the Adani Group aims to transform Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums, into a modern urban centre. The plan includes constructing free housing within the redeveloped area or offering rental housing in other parts of Mumbai. The initiative is part of Mumbai’s broader vision to address housing shortages and urban congestion while improving the quality of life for its residents. As of late March 2025, over 95,000 structures in Dharavi have been surveyed, with 63,000 residents submitting their documents.
These include ground-plus-two structures, which are common in the densely populated locality. Despite this progress, participation has been uneven. Many residents, influenced by political opposition and fears of displacement, have yet to submit their documents. Political parties, including Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), have openly criticised the redevelopment plan. They argue that the project prioritises commercial interests over the well-being of the community. Their opposition is rooted in concerns that the redevelopment may lead to the eviction of long-term residents without adequate compensation, erode Dharavi’s unique cultural identity, and replace affordable housing with high-end developments. These concerns have left a section of residents hesitant to engage with the project, fearing that they may be displaced or receive inadequate rehabilitation. The SRA has been clear in its stance: households that fail to submit the required documents before the April 15 deadline will not be considered for rehabilitation. This warning has added urgency to the situation, as residents weigh the risks of missing out on the redevelopment benefits.
Legal challenges have also played a role in shaping the project’s trajectory. In March 2025, the Supreme Court of India declined to impose a stay on the redevelopment, allowing the project to proceed as planned. The court’s decision reinforces the government’s commitment to the project while ensuring that all legal and procedural obligations are met. Environmental concerns have also surfaced, particularly regarding the project’s impact on Mumbai’s ecosystem. Some areas earmarked for redevelopment are located near salt pans and other ecologically sensitive zones. Environmental activists have raised alarms about potential ecological degradation, urging the authorities to conduct thorough environmental assessments and adopt sustainable development practices. The project’s sustainability goals are being questioned as well, with experts calling for eco-friendly infrastructure, energy-efficient housing, and green spaces within the redevelopment. The challenge lies in balancing urban development with environmental preservation, ensuring that Dharavi’s transformation does not come at the cost of ecological harm. Despite the challenges, the redevelopment project holds the potential to significantly improve the lives of Dharavi’s residents. It promises better housing, modern amenities, improved sanitation, and enhanced economic opportunities. For many, this is a chance to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future.
As the April 15 deadline approaches, the SRA continues to encourage all eligible residents to come forward and participate in the verification process. The success of the project depends on the active involvement of the community, transparent processes, and a commitment to sustainable urban development. In the coming weeks, the focus will shift to ensuring that every resident who qualifies is given the opportunity to benefit from this transformative project. Dharavi’s future is being rewritten, and the decisions made now will shape the lives of thousands for years to come
