From Slum To Skyline: Construction Work Of Dharavi Redevelopment Project To Begin In Six Months

The long-awaited Dharavi Redevelopment Project, which aims to transform nearly 600 acres of land in the heart of Mumbai, is set to commence construction within the next 6-8 months, according to S V R Srinivas, CEO of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority.

Out of the total 600 acres, redevelopment work will be carried out on 296 acres, with the remaining land excluded due to open spaces such as Mahim Nature Park and Koliwadas.

Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL), a joint venture between the Adani Group and the Government of Maharashtra, has requested at least 540 acres of land across Mumbai to relocate ineligible residents from Asia's largest slum.

Srinivas stated that the ongoing survey to collect data on the tenement residents to determine their eligibility for rehabilitation will be completed by the end of March.

So far, over 10,000 tenements have been surveyed. The data from this survey will help the state government establish eligibility criteria for rehabilitation under the proposed redevelopment project.

“There is a master plan being prepared right now for the Dharavi redevelopment project, which includes layouts for township planning and infrastructure development,” Srinivas added, reports Hindustan Times.

In November 2022, Adani Properties, the real estate arm of the Gautam Adani-led Adani Group, emerged as the highest bidder to secure the rights for Dharavi’s redevelopment. The Adani Group holds an 80 per cent stake in DRPPL, while the Government of Maharashtra retains the remaining 20 per cent.

To kickstart the project, DRPPL has enlisted international city and infrastructure planning experts to reimagine one of the world's largest and most dynamic informal settlements.

DRPPL has partnered with US-based design firm Sasaki, UK-headquartered consultancy Buro Happold, and renowned architect Hafeez Contractor. Additionally, experts from Singapore have also joined the project team, contributing to the master planning process.

Significance Of Redevelopment Project

Dharavi, home to over 850,000 residents, sees its population surpassing 1 million when considering its transient population. With a staggering density of 354,167 people per square kilometre, it is the most overcrowded zone in Mumbai, which ranks as the world's sixth most densely populated city.

Despite these challenges, Dharavi is known for its unique cultural diversity, housing a mosaic of over 85 communities.

Dharavi is home to an informal leather and pottery industry, providing employment opportunities to over one lakh individuals.

The state's vision entails transforming this area into a cluster of high-rise structures supported by enhanced urban infrastructure, necessitating the resettlement.

The plan also incorporates industrial and business zones for the existing and new businesses and commercial activities with better facilities, infrastructure, and platforms for improved conditions and growth.

This revamped identity of Dharavi will reduce residential differentiation within the city and enable the seamless integration of its residents with the overall city population.