Former Dharavi Land Tenants Included in Redevelopment Project, No One Will Be Homeless
A step towards transforming Dharavi, one of Mumbai’s most iconic slum areas, former tenants of the cancelled Vacant Land Tenure (VLT) scheme have been included in the multi-crore redevelopment plan. This decision, made by the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) and Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), ensures that the former land owners from areas like Kumbharwada will benefit from the ambitious initiative without the fear of displacement.
SVR Srinivas, CEO of DRP/SRA, reassured the community, saying, “No one from Dharavi will be rendered homeless under this scheme as every tenement holder is going to get a home of their dreams.” This statement aims to alleviate concerns regarding the impact of the redevelopment on the residents, especially those who were previously part of the VLT scheme.
The VLT scheme was initially designed to protect vacant land from encroachment, with the intention of reclaiming it when necessary. However, with the formation of the DRP, the land under the VLT automatically falls under the Dharavi Notified Area (DNA) and is now covered within the redevelopment plan. This means there is no need for separate redevelopment of these areas, and they are now integrated into the larger project. The Adani Group, which emerged as the winner of the Dharavi redevelopment project through an open international bidding process, has partnered with the Maharashtra government to deliver this monumental project. The redevelopment, spearheaded by Adani’s joint venture company, Navbharat Mega Developers Private Ltd (NMDPL), will see the construction of both residential and commercial tenements. These properties will then be handed over to the DRP/SRA for allocation based on a comprehensive survey of existing residents and businesses.
Srinivas further highlighted the importance of cooperation in this process, stating that the ongoing survey is receiving tremendous support from the residents of Dharavi. “I am very confident that the former VLT owners will also participate in the ongoing process at the earliest,” he said. This initiative is vital for the long-term success of the redevelopment, ensuring that all stakeholders are considered and included in the transition. Dharavi’s redevelopment project, which is part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate Mumbai’s urban landscape, also focuses on creating sustainable infrastructure and providing vocational training to empower the local youth. These efforts aim to equip them with eco-friendly job skills, improving their earning potential and contributing to a more prosperous community. Additionally, the land freed up by the redevelopment will be used to create affordable housing for Dharavi’s residents. Eligible individuals will receive flats of up to 350 square feet at no cost as part of the government’s commitment to transforming this iconic slum into a vibrant, world-class district.
With a budget estimated at $3 billion, the Dharavi redevelopment project is expected to radically change the area’s landscape. The project’s long-term vision includes building not just homes, but a sustainable urban ecosystem that provides opportunities for economic and social growth. By addressing the needs of both the residents and businesses, the redevelopment aims to create a model for urban regeneration that can be replicated across the country. In closing, Srinivas also made an appeal to other private landowners within Dharavi, urging them to join the initiative. “There are a few private ownership areas in Dharavi, and I invite them to be part of the world’s largest urban rejuvenation project,” he said, emphasising the collaborative nature of this transformative endeavour. As the redevelopment project progresses, it promises to offer a better quality of life for Dharavi’s residents while also contributing to Mumbai’s urban development, making it a beacon for slum rehabilitation in India.
