Extra 21 Acres Allocated to Dharavi Redevelopment Project by Maharashtra government

The Maharashtra government has approved the allocation of an additional 21-acre plot from the Kurla dairy to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority. This land, previously part of the government dairy in Nehru Nagar, Kurla, will be used to rehabilitate slum dwellers who were ineligible for free accommodation under the original Dharavi project.

Project Overview

The plot in question, spanning 10.4 hectares, has been handed over to Adani's Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL) and the state government. This move aims to address the housing needs of ineligible slum dwellers, supplementing the government’s efforts to provide housing in areas like Mulund, Kanjurmarg, Bhandup, and Wadala.

Historical Context

The Kurla dairy, which shut down almost a decade ago, currently houses various facilities, including staff quarters and a cold storage plant. The state government will need to provide alternative accommodation for the residents of these quarters. Previously, 2.5 acres of the dairy land had been allocated to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority for Metro line 2B construction.

Government Stance

A Government Resolution issued on June 10 highlighted the public importance of the Dharavi redevelopment project. The land is provided at a 25% lower price than the ready reckoner rate, underscoring the government's commitment to slum rehabilitation.

"This proposal was initiated by my department and approved by the state cabinet," stated dairy development minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. He emphasized that the land is allocated to DRPPL, a joint venture between the state government and the Adani Group, and not to any individual.

Redevelopment Benefits

Eligible residential tenements in Dharavi will receive upgraded flats with independent kitchens and toilets, each measuring at least 350 sq ft, making them the largest units provided under Mumbai's slum redevelopment initiatives. This is a significant increase from the 269 sq ft houses provided earlier and aligns with the standards of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

The allocation of additional land for the Dharavi redevelopment project signals a positive development in Mumbai's efforts to tackle urban poverty and improve the living conditions of its residents.

Eligible residents are those whose homes existed before January 1, 2000. The new flats will be well-lit, ventilated, hygienic, and secure, offering a substantial improvement in living conditions.