The Maharashtra government is now conducting an informal tenant survey in Mumbai, the largest slum in Asia. A number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who operate in Dharavi have expressed their support for this initiative. According to letters these organizations sent to state government officials, they have also charged non-local organizations with trying to obstruct the rebuilding project by disseminating false information, PTI said.
Eight NGOs and citizen welfare associations in Mumbai endorsed the survey in their communication with the Dharavi rehabilitation Project/Slum Rehabilitation Authority (DRP/SRA), a government entity in charge of the $3 billion rehabilitation project being carried out by the Adani Group. These organizations, which focus on a variety of welfare issues including women’s empowerment, health, and education, met with the CEO of Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL) to confirm local support for the state government-led poll that is presently taking place.
Among the NGOs, All India Police Jan Seva Sangathna and Noor Mohammed Khan of the Global Giving Foundation brought up a number of concerns with the authorities. These included what would happen to those who moved into Dharavi after January 2000, the deadline for rehabilitation eligibility, and how long the Adani Group would offer free maintenance for the newly built apartments. Khan told PTI that he had brought up these concerns and that the authorities had assured him that answers will come.
Source: Mid-day
