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The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, a long-contested and politically charged issue, has taken center stage once again with the Maharashtra government's recent approval of the master plan. This plan, spearheaded by Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL), a subsidiary of Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), aims to transform the sprawling slum of Dharavi into a modern, integrated urban space. However, the plan has been met with significant resistance from residents, opposition parties, and social activists who fear widespread displacement and the prioritization of commercial interests over the needs of the existing community. The complexities of the project are deeply intertwined with the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, making Dharavi a pivotal battleground for political parties vying for control of Asia’s richest civic body. The approval of the master plan marks a critical juncture in the ongoing saga of Dharavi's redevelopment, raising fundamental questions about urban planning, social justice, and the balance between economic development and the preservation of communities.
The master plan, as outlined by NMDPL, envisions a comprehensive transformation of Dharavi, encompassing both residential and commercial spaces. The plan calls for the construction of 58,532 residential units and 13,468 commercial and industrial units within Dharavi's existing boundaries. This aims to accommodate eligible tenants, as estimated by the SPV, within the redeveloped area. The project spans 251.24 hectares of Dharavi's Notified Area, with 108.99 hectares designated for redevelopment and the remaining area reserved for infrastructure and public services. According to the plan, eligible residents will occupy 56.01 percent of the redeveloped land, while the remaining 43.99 percent will be used for commercial purposes and market sales. The official breakdown includes 49,832 residential rehabilitation units for eligible slum dwellers, 8,700 renewal units for residents with valid tenure, 12,548 commercial and industrial units for small-scale industries, and 1,010 commercial renewal units. Of the usable 108.99 hectares, 47.20 hectares will house rehabilitated Dharavi tenants, 10.88 hectares will accommodate additional facilities, 2.96 hectares are designated for utilities, and the remaining 47.95 hectares will be developed by NMDPL for market sale. This division of land has become a major point of contention, with critics arguing that the plan disproportionately favors commercial interests at the expense of residents' welfare.
A central concern revolves around the eligibility criteria for rehabilitation and the potential displacement of a significant portion of Dharavi's population. According to Rajendra Korde, president of the Dharavi Redevelopment Samiti, there are approximately one lakh ground floor structures eligible for rehabilitation, along with an estimated 1.5 to 2 lakh tenants residing on the first or second floors. Korde raises the critical question of what will happen to those who do not meet the eligibility criteria, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on the industrial activities within Dharavi. His organization estimates that if only 72,000 tenants will be accounted for by the plan, that leaves a large population with an uncertain future. The lack of clarity regarding the fate of these residents has fueled anxieties and resentment, leading to accusations of forced displacement and a disregard for the needs of the community. The survey conducted by the SPV, which formed the basis for the tenant estimates in the master plan, has also come under scrutiny, with concerns raised about its completeness and accuracy. Critics like Korde argue that the master plan was approved despite the survey not being fully completed.
Adding to the complexities is Dharavi's unique socio-economic character as a thriving hub for small-scale industries. The master plan acknowledges this aspect by proposing the creation of five industrial clusters for garment, pottery, leather, food, and recycling industries, all of which are to be located within the rehabilitated area. However, the details of how these clusters will be integrated into the redeveloped landscape and whether they will adequately accommodate the existing industrial activities remain unclear. Concerns have been raised about the potential disruption of established businesses and the loss of livelihoods for those who depend on these industries. The success of the redevelopment project hinges on effectively integrating these industries into the new environment, preserving the economic vitality of the community, and providing adequate support to businesses during the transition.
Beyond the immediate concerns about displacement and economic disruption, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project also raises broader questions about urban planning and social equity. The proximity of Dharavi to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai's business headquarters, has fueled suspicions that the redevelopment is intended to create an extension of BKC, catering to the interests of multinational corporations and financial institutions. This perspective is echoed by Advocate Sagar Deore, who views the master plan as a push to expand Mumbai city at Dharavi's expense, displacing the hardworking people and giving access to the land for the “rich and mighty.” The allocation of 1,200 acres of land to NMDPL as part of the rehabilitation project, stretching across various parts of Mumbai, further reinforces these concerns. Varsha Gaikwad, a Member of Parliament and Mumbai Congress chief, has characterized the plan as a “loot of Mumbai's valuable land,” alleging that only a fraction of Dharavi's tenants will be rehabilitated, while Adani, the majority stakeholder in NMDPL, will gain a substantial buildable area and immense profits. The perception that the project prioritizes commercial interests over the needs of the community has galvanized opposition and fueled calls for greater transparency and accountability.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project has become a significant political issue, particularly in the context of the upcoming BMC elections. The Shiv Sena (UBT), currently struggling for political survival, is likely to leverage the issue to mobilize support and challenge the ruling BJP. For the BJP, the BMC represents a crucial prize to win in Maharashtra, and the Dharavi issue has the potential to significantly influence the outcome of the elections. Opposition parties and social activists have vowed to intensify protests and campaigns against the project, raising awareness about the potential displacement of residents and the perceived unfairness of the plan. The issue of tenant rehabilitation across Mumbai, in general, is also expected to play a key role in the elections, with political parties vying to present themselves as champions of the urban poor. The extent to which the concerns of Dharavi's residents are addressed and the transparency of the redevelopment process will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in Mumbai.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who oversees Urban Development and Housing, has remained silent on the planned protests, further fueling suspicion and distrust. The lack of communication from the government has exacerbated the anxieties of residents and heightened the sense that their concerns are being ignored. The success of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project depends not only on the technical aspects of urban planning and infrastructure development but also on building trust and fostering collaboration between the government, the developer, and the community. A transparent and inclusive approach, which prioritizes the needs and aspirations of Dharavi's residents, is essential to ensuring that the project benefits all stakeholders and contributes to the overall development of Mumbai. A fallure to address community issues could result in increased legal battles, social unrest, and political instability.
Source: Dharavi’s Role in BMC Battle: Redevelopment or Displacement?