Mumbai News: Dharavi Residents Allege Conspiracy In Redevelopment Project; Will Protest Against Adani Group & State Government On April 20
Mumbai: The Dharavi redevelopment plan, a collaboration between the Adani Group and the Maharashtra government, aims to transform the sprawling 600-acre Dharavi slum in Mumbai, the largest slum in Asia. The initiative focuses on housing, infrastructure, and preserving the existing socio-economic framework of the community.
The central government, along with the Maharashtra Government and the NMPDA company from the Adani Group, is purportedly conspiring to disqualify long-standing residents of Dharavi and forcibly relocate them under the pretense of a redevelopment plan. The residents are firmly resisting this pressure. To highlight the issue, a major public gathering has been organized by the Dharavi Bachao Andolan Samiti on Sunday, April 20, at Shivraj Maidan. The Adani Group's project is being advanced without residents' consent, endangering nearly 2,000 acres of land and negatively affecting both Dharavi and the larger Mumbai community.
The Dharavi Bachao Andolan Samiti is strongly opposing this initiative, and a demonstration is planned at the District Collector's Office following the meeting. Today, notable leaders and representatives from various political parties, including Aditya Jadhav, Vitthal Pawar, and others, convened to discuss their tactics.
There is a call for the Adani Group to publish a list of unqualified hut owners, as it is believed they have misled the public about the completion status of surveys in Dharavi, claiming 80% completion when in reality only about 10-15% has been done. Baburao Mane underlined the robust opposition from residents regarding these disqualifications and urged for clarity from both the Adani Group and the government.
What Is The Dharavi Redevelopment Project?
Key elements of the redevelopment include rehabilitating over 700,000 residents, with eligible families receiving housing within Dharavi, while ineligible ones are offered affordable rental units or hire-purchase options. The project allocates 296 acres for redevelopment, reserving areas for open spaces like Mahim Nature Park.
The ambitious plan is scheduled for completion over 17 years, with seven years dedicated to housing construction, and an estimated investment of Rs 2-3 lakh crore. Preservation of the local community structure and thriving businesses is a priority, ensuring the area's traditional industries and commerce remain intact.
Infrastructure improvements will cover essential services like roads and sanitation. A comprehensive survey and digital mapping have been conducted to determine residents' eligibility, with guidance from a master plan drafted by Hafeez Contractor to integrate residential, commercial, and industrial developments.
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