Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt. Ltd. (DRPPL), a collaboration between the Government of Maharashtra and the Adani Group, is set to launch a data-collection survey of the area’s numerous informal tenement residents on March 18. This initiative aims to assist the Maharashtra government in determining the eligibility criteria for their rehabilitation as part of the proposed redevelopment project. The survey will also mark the establishment of ‘Digital Dharavi,’ envisioned as an extensive digital repository of one of the world’s largest informal settlements.
Commencing from Kamla Raman Nagar, each informal tenement will receive a unique identification number. Subsequently, the survey will include laser mapping of the respective lanes, known as ‘Lidar Survey.’ According to a DRPPL spokesperson, this survey signifies the beginning of one of the most extensive urban rejuvenation projects globally and is a critical step towards making Mumbai slum-free. The project aims to transform Dharavi into a world-class township, creating a state-of-the-art city within Mumbai.
As part of the redevelopment project, every eligible informal tenement holder will receive a home, including those who do not qualify for rehabilitation. According to the DRPPL tender, all eligible and ineligible resident tenement holders will be provided with a flat featuring an independent kitchen and toilet.
Additionally, eligible industrial and commercial units in the redeveloped Dharavi will receive a five-year exemption from State Goods and Services Tax. This incentive is intended to promote and formalize their businesses, as stated in the tender.
Previously, in March 2019, Dubai-based firm Seclink emerged as the top bidder for Asia’s largest slum redevelopment project, with the Adani Group coming in second. However, following the Maharashtra government’s acquisition of a railway plot, the tender was scrapped, leading to fresh bids for the project, ultimately won by the Adani Group.
Housing experts believe that once redeveloped, Dharavi has the potential to become another business district of the city.
