Mulund residents in Mumbai have opposed the rehabilitation of residents from Dharavi, the biggest slum in Asia, since they believe it will put a burden on the city’s already-existing municipal infrastructure. They claim that Mulund’s demographics will be impacted by the Maharashtra government’s decision.
For the Dharavi rehabilitation project, the state government has set aside about 256 acres of decommissioned salt pan land near Mulund, Kanjurmarg, and Bhandup. For residents of Dharavi who are not qualified for homes within Dharavi, this land is being used for rehabilitation. In Mulund, 58.5 acres of land from the Jamasp Salt Works have been set aside specifically for this use.
Residents of Mulund East are concerned when the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) posted a board on a piece of land there. For 58.5 acres of land in Mulund’s salt pan, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL) has paid Rs 319 crore. A board has now declared that SRA is the rightful owner of this land. This validates our concerns regarding the construction of homes for Dharavi locals here,” advocate Sagar Devre stated. Residents worry that Mulund’s current resources would be further taxed by the reconstruction project.
“The BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) has constructed 7,439 homes on a small plot in Mulund East. Around 40,000 people will be brought here. Adding to this, Dharavi residents will be brought here on a 58.5-acre project. This will change our area and put stress on resources like water and roads,” said Gangadhar Tulsanakar, a Mulund resident.
Source: India Today
