October 30, 2025: In a key move to advance the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), the Maharashtra government has appointed the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) and the DRP as the special planning authority (SPA) for the 42.51-acre Jamasp Salt Pan land in Mulund East and the 8.5-hectare Kurla Dairy land in Mumbai. The state’s Urban Development Department, through a notification issued on October 27, confirmed these appointments.
The notification also designates the SRA as the SPA for the Dharavi area and adjoining railway land that forms part of the rehabilitation zone. The Mulund salt pan land is among 256 acres approved by the Centre to be handed over for the project. This land will be developed to provide rental housing for Dharavi residents who are ineligible for free homes within Dharavi.
Both the DRP and SRA function under Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd (NMDPL), the special purpose vehicle (SPV) established to execute the massive rehabilitation project. The NMDPL paid Rs 320 crore to the Salt Commissioner for the Jamasp Salt Pan land, with physical possession of the site taken over in April 2025.
An official involved in the project said, “Since the DRP and SRA are overseeing the entire rehabilitation project, it was natural for them to be the planning authority for all the lands.”
However, the decision has faced local opposition. Residents in Mulund have objected to the relocation of Dharavi residents to the area, citing congestion and infrastructure strain. Kurla residents have similarly opposed rehabilitation plans on the Kurla Dairy land. Despite the pushback, the appointments mark a significant administrative milestone for one of Mumbai’s most ambitious urban renewal initiatives.
Source: The Times of India
