One of Mumbai’s largest and most densely populated slums, is making steady progress with more than 60,000 structures surveyed as part of the initiative to rebuild the area. This project, awarded to Adani Properties under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), aims to transform the slum into a modern urban space, offering better living conditions for its residents.
As of now, more than 25,000 tenements have been verified, with over 50 teams working across Dharavi’s five sectors and 34 zones to conduct the thorough survey. Each day, teams number between 300-400 tenements and verify around 200-250 homes, with the help of advanced mapping technologies like Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). The process begins with a land reconnaissance and tenement numbering followed by door-to-door verification. This method ensures that all eligible residents are accounted for, and each tenement receives a unique identification code. The authorities are committed to accurately identifying and categorising eligible residents to ensure that the redevelopment project is fair and transparent. A survey conducted 16 years ago had initially estimated that 64,000 ground-floor tenements in Dharavi were eligible for rehabilitation. However, a fresh survey, which began in March 2024, aims to assess the current status and eligibility of residents more accurately.
As per the current plans, 1.5 lakh homes will be constructed for residents deemed ineligible for in-situ rehabilitation. These homes will be built on 540 acres of land in Mumbai’s suburbs. Meanwhile, ground-floor structures built before January 1, 2000, qualify for free in-situ rehabilitation within the same location. For homes constructed between 2000-2011, residents will be relocated to areas outside of Dharavi at a nominal cost under a central government scheme. Those residing in upper floors or those who moved in after 2011 will have access to rented or hire-purchase housing options in new, modern townships. This massive undertaking reflects the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Dharavi’s residents while tackling the challenges of overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure. However, it also highlights the complexities involved in redeveloping such a densely populated area while ensuring that the diverse needs of the community are met. The project’s progress is closely monitored by officials from the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), ensuring that the redevelopment happens in an organised and efficient manner.
