The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, recognized as one of India's most ambitious urban transformation efforts, officially began with a modest ceremony on September 12, 2024. This understated event occurred at the RPF grounds in Matunga, Mumbai, featuring a puja aimed at consecrating the machinery for the initiative, rather than a conventional groundbreaking ceremony.

The decision to maintain a low profile for the event was significantly influenced by ongoing protests from local activists and political factions opposed to the redevelopment plans.

Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia, accommodates over 850,000 residents and is characterized by its high population density and dynamic informal economy. The redevelopment initiative seeks to revamp approximately 600 acres of this area, with proposals for new residential and commercial developments, enhanced infrastructure, and improved living conditions for the inhabitants.

The project was awarded to the Adani Group in November 2022, following a competitive bidding process, and is projected to cost around ₹23,000 crore.

Dharavi Redevelopment Project
Image Source: Infra Info Hub

Future Development Plans for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project

The ceremony was conducted between 4 am and 7 am, with limited attendance to mitigate potential disruptions from protestors. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL), a collaboration between the Maharashtra government and the Adani Group, performed the puja without its CEO, SVR Srinivas, which drew attention from local observers. This ceremony was characterized as an initial step in constructing railway staff quarters and offices, as stipulated in the project’s tender documents.

Despite the subdued nature of the ceremony, considerable opposition remains. Thousands of protestors, led by political leaders such as Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, have mobilized against the project, advocating for equitable treatment of current residents and questioning the underlying motives of the redevelopment. Thackeray has accused the ruling BJP of orchestrating the downfall of his government due to his anti-builder position and has raised concerns regarding irregularities in the project’s tendering process.

Demonstrators have actively expressed their demands for sufficient housing, advocating for residences of 500 square feet for qualifying individuals.

The Dharavi Bachao Andolan (DBA), a leading activist organization, has taken a prominent role in these protests. They contend that the redevelopment initiative will displace numerous residents and disrupt the community's established social structure. After receiving assurances from the Mumbai police that no significant ceremonies would occur, the DBA temporarily suspended a hunger strike, only to later voice dissatisfaction regarding the execution of the puja.

The redevelopment initiative is anticipated to unfold over several years, with the construction of new residential units and infrastructure expected to commence in earnest following the completion of a survey to assess resident eligibility. As part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, qualifying residents will be allocated new flats measuring 350 square feet, which is approximately 17% larger than the accommodations typically offered in other slum rehabilitation projects in Mumbai, where homes generally range from 269 to 322 square feet.

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