June 11, 2025: Following the Dharavi redevelopment model, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared that it will not require the consent of slum dwellers for redeveloping 64 slum pockets located on civic-owned land. This move paves the way for smoother implementation after the Maharashtra government delegated the redevelopment of these plots to the BMC earlier this year.
The projects will follow the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) framework under Regulation 33(10) of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR), 2034. However, the BMC will serve as the implementing authority. Officials confirmed that eligibility criteria and housing entitlements will remain aligned with SRA norms.
On 10 May, the BMC invited expressions of interest from developers, aiming to redevelop over 400,000 square metres of slum land—predominantly in Govandi and Malad East. In response to developer queries during pre-bid consultations, the civic body clarified that resident consent is not mandatory under DCPR 2034 when the land is municipally owned. A supplementary note was released on Tuesday, extending the bid submission deadline to 25 June.
Experts say the move could accelerate redevelopment, as it eliminates delays caused by the trading of consent letters. However, critics argue that bypassing community consent undermines democratic planning. “You can’t take decisions impacting thousands of families without consulting them,” said Faiyaz Alam of Govandi-based New Sangam Welfare Forum.
While eligible residents will be entitled to housing, concerns remain about those excluded from the process. Architect Dhaval Parsana highlighted that redevelopment alone won’t realise the vision of a slum-free Mumbai without addressing the need for affordable rental housing.
Following developer selection, site surveys and community engagement will still be required. The BMC has committed to assisting in evictions where necessary.
Source: Hindustan Times
