Dharavi rehabilitation project: mapping of slum cluster in heart of Mumbai to begin soon

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project in Mumbai is set to begin mapping the slum cluster, with a survey to determine eligibility for rehabilitation.

In the coming weeks, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL) is set to commence the mapping of one of Asia’s largest slum clusters, Dharavi, situated in the heart of Mumbai.

The starting date of the survey, which has been deemed a key component of the task of identifying residents in the slum cluster eligible and ineligible for rehabilitation under the project, will be announced in a few days, S.V.R. Srinivas, Chief Executive Officer of the Dharavi Rehabilitation Project, said.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Srinivas, who was recently appointed as the non-executive chairman of DRPPL by the Maharashtra government, said preparations are underway for the pilot survey, which will be followed by a comprehensive one. “The survey will kickstart in the coming weeks, and the exact date will be announced sometime this week,” he said, adding that its completion will take several months.

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DRPPL is a Special Purpose Vehicle formed as a joint venture between the Adani Group and the State government with both entities holding 80% and 20% equity, respectively. The Adani Group, the conglomerate owned by businessman Gautam Adani that won the government contract to redevelop Dharavi on November 29, 2022, is yet to appoint the managing director of DRPPL.

“We won’t go by the previous surveys conducted in 2007 or before. A fresh survey is to determine the eligibility of residents and commercial establishments there,” Mr. Srinivas said. During the survey, residents have to furnish documents, which will be scanned and returned to them immediately. “There’s a misunderstanding that we are not going to return their documents. They will be scanned and returned immediately after seeking basic information about their family members,” he said.

Upon completion of the mammoth task, Adani Group will submit the report and the master plan to the State government, the senior IAS officer said.