June 11, 2025: Following the Dharavi redevelopment model, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that no consent from slum dwellers will be required for the redevelopment of 64 slum plots located on municipal land. This policy shift streamlines the redevelopment process for developers, after the Maharashtra government transferred responsibility for these projects to the civic body in March.
The projects will follow the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) model under Regulation 33(10) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulation (DCPR), 2034. While eligibility criteria and housing provisions for slum dwellers remain the same, the BMC will act as the implementing authority.
Most of the 64 plots are situated in the eastern and western suburbs, notably Govandi and Malad East. The BMC aims to redevelop around 400,000 square metres of slum land across the city. Bidding opened on 10 May and has been extended to June 25, when technical scrutiny of bids will commence.
During pre-bid consultations, the BMC clarified that, as the landowner, it is not obligated to seek consent from residents for redevelopment. This exemption, allowed under Regulation 33(10), VI-1.15, is expected to speed up redevelopment and reduce complications often caused by consent form trading among developers.
Critics, however, argue the process lacks transparency and community participation. Activist Faiyaz Alam, from Govandi-based NGO New Sangam Welfare Forum, condemned the move as exclusionary, stressing the absence of community consultation and public notices.
Architect Dhaval Parsana noted that while faster redevelopment may benefit eligible residents, the long-term vision of a slum-free Mumbai remains distant. Without a viable affordable rental housing market, those deemed ineligible could return to informal settlements elsewhere.
Developers selected for the projects will be required to engage with slum residents, conduct surveys, and manage rehabilitation efforts, with BMC assistance in evictions if needed.
