In a landmark shift in Mumbai’s urban redevelopment policy, the Maharashtra government has formally begun including upper-floor tenement residents in the massive Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). This expansion brings thousands of previously excluded families into the scope of rehabilitation, offering them a legitimate path to homeownership within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Until now, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) norms had deemed upper-floor dwellings as unauthorised, thereby disqualifying their occupants from benefits. However, a Government Resolution (GR) issued on 4 October 2024 has reversed this long-standing restriction. It extends eligibility to those who have been residing in such dwellings in Dharavi since at least 15 November 2022.
Under this revised framework, eligible residents will be provided 300 sq ft flats located outside Dharavi but within the MMR. These homes will be offered under a hire-purchase scheme at subsidised rates, allowing families to pay in affordable instalments over a 12-year period or opt for a one-time upfront payment. Officials from the Dharavi Redevelopment Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which is overseeing the project, have stated that implementation of the new policy is already underway. They described the move as “historic”, arguing that it addresses a deep-rooted disparity in Mumbai’s housing policies by acknowledging the lived realities of informal residents.
Amid allegations that residents were being pressured to sign affidavits excluding upper-floor occupants, officials clarified that the documentation process is being conducted in strict accordance with government norms. Affidavits, they said, are merely one form of proof among several acceptable options, including electricity bills, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, passports, and registered rent agreements that detail the floor of residence. In instances where such documentation is unavailable, affidavits signed by verified ground-floor residents will also be accepted as valid proof.
Urban policy experts have welcomed the development as a pivotal moment in equitable housing reform. They note that the move reflects a willingness by the state to engage with the complex housing typologies that define much of Mumbai’s informal settlements, rather than adhering to rigid exclusionary frameworks. By proactively including upper-floor dwellers, the government is likely to reduce resistance from residents, avoid litigation, and ensure a smoother and more inclusive rehabilitation process. The decision is being hailed as a potential template for other slum redevelopment initiatives across India.
Significant progress has already been made on the ground. Officials involved in the DRP confirmed that close to one lakh buildings in Dharavi have been physically surveyed. Additionally, more than 94,500 structures have been issued unique identification numbers. The digital mapping of nearly 88,000 buildings has been completed using advanced LiDAR technology. Furthermore, close to 70,000 household-level surveys have been conducted, underscoring the project’s commitment to data-driven planning and transparency.
Despite concerns about displacement, particularly regarding relocation outside Dharavi, authorities argue that the hire-purchase model provides financial dignity and transforms long-time informal residents into legal homeowners. For many, this marks a long-awaited acknowledgment of their right to urban inclusion. While the flats are being offered outside the area they have long called home, the project promises long-term housing stability and asset security.
Urban planners note that the DRP’s success will depend on more than just engineering execution. Sensitivity to community networks, legal complexities, and social identity will be crucial. To this end, experts have urged the government to maintain transparent grievance redressal systems and foster public participation at every stage of implementation.
With comprehensive surveys nearing completion and inclusive policy mechanisms now in place, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is poised to set a new standard in sustainable, equitable urban transformation. For thousands of families long classified as unauthorised, this policy shift represents not just a flat—but the long-overdue recognition of their place in the city’s future.
Source: Urban Acres
