Adani Group Moves Forward with Kurla Plot Redevelopment

The Adani Group-led Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL) is pushing ahead with its ambitious plan to redevelop a 19-acre plot in Kurla, Mumbai, despite mounting environmental concerns. The plot, once home to the now-defunct Mother Dairy plant, has been earmarked for the construction of rehabilitation units as part of the larger Dharavi Redevelopment Project. NMDPL has now sought environmental clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to begin construction, a move that has drawn significant attention due to the potential environmental consequences.
The Kurla plot, located adjacent to Nehru Nagar, is one of five sites that will house Dharavi residents who are ineligible for in-situ rehabilitation. The other locations include Malad East, Deonar, Mulund, and Matunga. While the Maharashtra government has officially handed over the Kurla site to NMDPL, the development still hinges on securing the necessary environmental approval. The project proposes the construction of 10 multi-wing buildings, but due to the proximity to the Mumbai airport’s funnel zone, height restrictions will limit the buildings to no more than 18 storeys.
Spanning a total of 76,993 square metres, the Kurla site will see 496,000 square metres dedicated to construction, with a 15% portion (around 11,559 square metres) reserved as open space, likely for gardens and recreational purposes. The site is strategically located next to the ongoing Kurla East metro station construction, which will enhance connectivity for future residents.
However, environmental groups and local residents are voicing concerns over the potential destruction of hundreds of trees currently on the plot. A survey conducted by the Lok Chalwal residents’ group identified around 900 trees, with estimates suggesting that more than 1,000 could be lost to the development. As such, opposition to the project is growing, as many advocate for the preservation of Mumbai’s dwindling green spaces amid rapid urbanisation.
NMDPL’s proposal to SEIAA comes amidst a broader push by the Maharashtra government to relocate Dharavi’s residents who do not qualify for in-situ rehabilitation to alternative locations. According to a government resolution, these residents will be offered 300 square-foot homes on a hire-purchase basis outside of Dharavi, with an option to purchase the property after 25 years. While this plan aims to ease the housing crisis, it also highlights the ongoing tension between urban expansion and environmental protection in Mumbai.
The project’s timeline stipulates that the construction of rehabilitation units must be completed within seven years from the issuance of the commencement certificate. NMDPL’s first certificate for the Matunga site was issued in January 2024, marking the beginning of the project. However, as the Kurla site awaits environmental approval, it remains unclear when work will actually commence.
In a broader context, this project illustrates the complex balance between economic growth, urban expansion, and environmental sustainability. While the need for additional housing in Mumbai is pressing, the loss of green spaces and environmental degradation remain significant concerns. The successful integration of eco-friendly practices into large-scale redevelopment projects will be a key challenge for Mumbai in its efforts to maintain sustainable growth. The approval of this project could set a crucial precedent for how the city navigates future redevelopment initiatives.