Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has given the green light to the much-anticipated master plan for the redevelopment of Dharavi slums, following an hour-long meeting with stakeholders from the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), who presented the comprehensive plan. This master plan will act as a strategic framework, guiding the planning and execution of the ambitious cluster redevelopment project, which aims to integrate residential, commercial, and industrial spaces both within Dharavi and in adjacent areas.
Spanning 620 acres, Dharavi has earmarked 296 acres for redevelopment. In January 2024, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) was established, comprising the Maharashtra government’s Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) and Gautam Adani’s Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt. Ltd (NMDPL), tasked with transforming the area. The project also focuses on rehabilitating approximately 700,000 residents.
During the meeting, Fadnavis emphasised a holistic and eco-friendly approach, insisting that every resident must be rehabilitated under the plan. In a post on X later that evening, he described Dharavi as a “locality that represents a powerful micro-economy built on skilled labour, artisans, micro-enterprises and underprivileged communities”, adding that redevelopment should preserve the area’s soul while unlocking new opportunities.
SVR Srinivas, CEO of DRPPL, noted that with the master plan approved, the greater challenge lies in implementation. Over 102,000 tenements have been surveyed so far, with expectations to reach around 130,000. The survey is expected to be complete within two months.
However, concerns remain. Karunanidhi Kanan, a Dharavi resident and advocate, called for transparency in determining eligibility for property ownership and urged NMDPL to assist residents in regularising their documentation. Opposition voices, including Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad, criticised the government for approving the plan without adequate consultation or legal adherence, warning that Dharavi residents feel betrayed as the survey is ongoing. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde urged all departments to expedite necessary approvals, signalling swift progress ahead.
Source: Hindustan Times
