Adani Group Revamping 350 flats in Mumbai's Biggest Slum

The Adani Group's Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRPPL) is slated to provide 350-square-foot free tenements to all Dharavi residents who lived there prior to the deadline of January 1, 2000.Those who moved into the slum settlement later and are ineligible for rehabilitation will be housed in the proposed 'Navi Dharavi' colonies. DRPPL will conduct a fresh survey to identify beneficiaries, according to a statement by the company.

One of the largest slums in Asia is Dharavi, situated in Mumbai, India, as witnessed on May 5, 2023. The community receives municipal water for only a short period each morning. 

BJP and opposition leaders have urged the chief minister and his deputies to not convert Mulund East into a slum area. The housing department has written to the urban development department seeking the transfer of land in Mulund for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP).

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who lives in Mulund East, said, “I request CM and Deputy CM Not to Convert Mulund East in ‘Navi Dharavi’ or ‘Naya Mumbra’. The housing ministry letter for the 64-acre land of Mulund East for rehabilitation of ineligible slum dwellers of Dharavi created confusion and fear among the residents of Mulund. Rehabilitation should be at various places and not more than 10,000 residents in 2000 flats at one place.”

An official from the housing department said, "DRPPL will pay the price for acquiring the land, while the state government will co-ordinate the land acquisition process,”

Adani, one of India’s richest and most powerful businessmen who is seen to enjoy strong ties to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to complete the estimated $3 billion project over the next seven years, the people said.

While local firm Genesys International Ltd. will map the area, UK consultancy Buro Happold Ltd. will outline the physical infrastructure needs, while Boston-based Sasaki Associates Inc. will be in charge of the overall re-design, said one of the people. He also hired Mumbai-based architect Hafeez Contractor and several experts from Singapore.

The tenements designated for eligible residents will be 17% larger than those in other slum redevelopment projects in Mumbai. From 2018, they are entitled to acquire 300 square feet area which includes integrated kitchens and toilets, while the residential complexes will feature community halls, recreational areas, public gardens, dispensaries, and daycare centers for children. In addition, the colonies will get facilities like economic opportunities, forward-looking education, vocational training, and advanced healthcare facilities, according to the company.