Dharavi Redevelopment Project: Reimagining Asia’s Largest Slum

Dharavi, located in the heart of Mumbai, is both a symbol of resilience and a testament to the challenges of urbanization. Spanning  620 acres, it is Asia’s largest slum and home to over a million people. Despite its reputation for overcrowded and unhygienic conditions, Dharavi is a thriving hub for small-scale industries, contributing nearly $1 billion annually through sectors like leather goods, pottery, textiles, and recycling.

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) is a transformative initiative aimed at reshaping this dense urban settlement into a sustainable, modern neighborhood while retaining its vibrant economic identity.

An Overview of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, valued at ₹20,000 crore, is spearheaded by the Maharashtra government alongside the Adani Group. This grand project encompasses 296 acres of prime land in Mumbai and aims to offer qualifying residents 350-square-foot contemporary apartments.

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Key Objectives Include:

• Substituting inadequate homes with secure, contemporary residences.
• Improving access to safe water, sanitation, and other vital services.
• Fostering Dharavi’s industrial landscape through the incorporation of commercial areas.
• Guaranteeing equity and inclusiveness in the relocation procedure.

For those not qualified, alternative accommodations will be provided in different areas of Mumbai, making certain that everyone is included.

Progress So Far: Surveying the Unprecedented

Reimagining a community as intricate as Dharavi starts with thorough preparation. The survey phase, which began in March 2024, is crucial to the project's success. By carefully charting and recording each tenement, officials seek to guarantee a seamless transition for inhabitants.

Achievements to Date

• 60,000 tenements numbered since March 2024.
• Detailed surveys of 25,000 homes completed.
• Deployment of 50 teams across Dharavi’s five sectors and 34 zones.
• Verification of 200-250 homes and numbering of 300-400 tenements daily.

Despite challenges like elections and prolonged monsoons, the survey teams have shown commendable dedication. The project expects to complete surveys for approximately 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh tenements by March 2025.

Technology and Processes Behind the Survey

The survey employs advanced tools and rigorous methods to navigate Dharavi’s intricate layout.

Key Steps in the Survey Process

• Land Surveying: Groups perform thorough mapping of the region.
• Lidar Mapping: Advanced technology is employed to produce precise 3D models.
• Numbering Apartments: Every residence receives a distinct identification code.
• Door-to-Door Validation: Teams confirm occupancy information to assess eligibility.

This blend of technology and human input guarantees accuracy, clarity, and equity.

Housing Provisions and Eligibility Criteria

A fundamental aspect of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is its dedication to fair rehousing.

• Complimentary In-Situ Housing: Ground-level buildings constructed prior to January 1, 2000, are eligible for no-cost apartments in Dharavi.
• Subsidized Housing: Dwellings built from January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2011, are eligible for housing outside Dharavi under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for a nominal fee of ₹2.5 lakh.

To further support residents:

• 10 years of free operation and maintenance will be provided for rehabilitation buildings.
• Societies will receive 10% additional commercial space, creating opportunities for revenue generation to fund future maintenance.

Dharavi: An Extraordinary Mix of Issues and Opportunities

Dharavi's identity extends beyond being merely a slum. It is a blend of cultures and industries, featuring vibrant markets, workshops, and craftsmen who play a crucial role in Mumbai’s economy.

The region's worldwide acclaim, enhanced by its depiction in the Academy Award-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire, underscores both its difficulties and its resilient spirit. Revitalization provides an opportunity to tackle the area's challenges while maintaining its economic and cultural vitality.

The Role of the Adani Group

In November 2022, the Adani Group secured the redevelopment tender, pledging an initial investment of ₹5,069 crore. As a collaborative partner with the Maharashtra government, Adani offers proficiency in infrastructure and urban development, as well as the financial capital required for a project of this magnitude.

Their participation has been crucial in making sure that the redevelopment process is efficient and inclusive.

Envisioning the Future: A Plan for Dharavi’s Development

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is set to transform urban renewal in India. As soon as the survey phase ends in March 2025, construction will commence, initiating a transformative journey for the region.

Despite the ongoing challenges like bureaucratic approvals and community integration, the project's main objective is evident: to enhance the quality of life for Dharavi’s inhabitants while maintaining the region’s economic potential.

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project represents more than just improved infrastructure; it embodies a vision for inclusive urban change. By substituting congested tenements with contemporary apartments, improving facilities, and aiding small businesses, the initiative aims to elevate the lives of more than a million inhabitants.

For Mumbai, this effort symbolizes advancement. For the residents of Dharavi, it represents hope—a chance for respect, security, and a better future. As the initiative progresses, Dharavi is poised to establish a worldwide standard for slum revitalization, demonstrating that even the toughest urban settings can be transformed into prosperous, sustainable neighborhoods.

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