Residents of Dharavi have formed a new body, the Dharavi Redevelopment Committee, to demand rehabilitation for every existing household and commercial establishment without a cut-off date. Frustrated by nearly 15 years of delays, the group is calling for greater transparency and faster decisions on the long-pending redevelopment project.
The committee estimates that Dharavi has more than 67,000 residents and over 11,000 commercial establishments that should be considered for rehabilitation. It argues that the project’s designation as a Vital Public Project (VPP) supports its demand for eligibility without a cut-off date, similar to certain transport infrastructure projects.
“As per the VPP, there is no cut off date for the eligibility. Just like MUTP and MUIP projects where there is no cut off date for the rehabilitation. We are demanding that all should be rehabilitated under this rule in Dharavi. According to our estimate, there are over 67,000 residents and over 11,000 commercial establishments in Dharavi. However, the government never declared its survey. They should make it public with names of the eligible people so that those who are not included can appeal. We are also demanding that the government should show explain its redevelopment plan, come out open and be transparent. The residents are not against the development. In fact, we are gathering the people under the committee to demand more clarity in the project and take fast decisions and start the work,” said committee president Raju Korde.
Around 32 representatives from different communities, localities and groups attended the meeting where the committee was established.
Anil Kasare of the Jankalyan Gruhnirman Vikas Samitee said residents were preparing a letter to the chief minister, seeking urgent intervention. “The Dharavi redevelopment talks, plans started from 2004 and now we are in 2019. We all need development and a better place to stay. But this work is stuck for a long time. We have drafted a letter to the CM to explain him our side and an urgency to push the redevelopment work as early as possible. We are also inviting locals to become member of the committee so that it would have representation of all the residents and business owners,” Kasare said.
The project’s future remained uncertain after Seclink Technologies Corporation emerged as the highest bidder in January 2019. The state government sought the Advocate General’s opinion on whether fresh tenders were necessary, with Adani Infra among the other bidders.
A government official said, “The government has sought an opinion from the Advocate General after which the further decision would be taken. Its too premature to comment on the issue now,”
Spread across 210 hectares and linked to Mumbai’s western, central and harbour railway lines, Dharavi has long awaited comprehensive redevelopment. The state has also acquired 45 acres of railway land for Rs 800 crore to support the project.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
Pic Credit: The Indian Express
