A Maharashtra government-appointed committee has recommended the removal and relocation of several religious structures in Dharavi to facilitate the implementation of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), one of India’s largest urban renewal initiatives.
In its interim report, the committee examined 12 priority religious structures in Sector 1. It has recommended the removal of eight structures, while suggesting the relocation or consolidation of three others. One structure has been excluded from consideration after revisions were made to the project boundary.
The recommendations are based on the legal status and construction timeline of each structure in accordance with the Supreme Court’s order dated September 29, 2009, which prohibits the regularisation of unauthorised religious structures constructed on public land after the specified cut-off date. Based on this criterion, the committee has proposed the removal of structures built after the deadline while recommending relocation or consolidation for certain older religious establishments.
Among the structures recommended for removal are the Muthmaruyamma Trust structure, two Hanuman temples, two Shiv temples and three Sai Baba temples. The report also proposes relocating or consolidating Shree Dashmani Hanuman Temple, Mariamman Temple and Shree Kartik Swami Mandir as part of the redevelopment process.
The committee was constituted by the Maharashtra government to examine religious structures located within the redevelopment area and recommend suitable action while balancing legal provisions with community interests. According to the report, a total of 590 religious structures have been identified across the Dharavi redevelopment zone. So far, the committee has conducted 149 hearings involving religious trusts, local stakeholders and government officials before finalising its initial recommendations.
Officials said the current report covers only the first phase of assessments in Sector 1, with similar evaluations planned for the remaining structures in subsequent phases. The committee is also exploring the possibility of consolidating nearby religious establishments into common facilities wherever there is consensus among stakeholders.
The Maharashtra government will now examine the committee’s recommendations before taking a final decision. The outcome is expected to play an important role in determining the pace of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, which aims to provide modern housing, improved infrastructure and better civic amenities while rehabilitating thousands of residents.
Source: Prop News Time
