Maharashtra Government Approves Master Plan for Dharavi Redevelopment

The Dharavi Redevelopment Master Plan has received the nod from the Maharashtra government, marking a significant step towards transforming Asia’s largest slum. According to a statement from the office of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the approval was granted on May 28 during a review meeting chaired by Fadnavis.

The approval signals a major push for the redevelopment project, which aims to modernize Dharavi while preserving its socio-economic fabric. Fadnavis emphasized the importance of an environmentally friendly and integrated approach, stating that every native resident of Dharavi should be provided with a house. He also highlighted the significance of the commercial activities in the area, which are a vital part of the local economy.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Housing Minister Eknath Shinde directed all relevant departments to expedite the necessary approvals for the project. The meeting included SVR Srinivas, Chief Executive Officer of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, who presented a detailed overview of the initiative.

Spanning over 600 acres, Dharavi is set to undergo a comprehensive transformation. Nearly 300 acres are earmarked for redevelopment and rehabilitation. In January 2024, Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL)—a joint venture between the Government of Maharashtra and the Adani Group—appointed renowned architect Hafeez Contractor to lead the redevelopment effort.

The Master Plan serves as a comprehensive blueprint for integrating residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. It aims to modernize infrastructure while ensuring the well-being of over 0.7 million residents. According to Maharashtra’s Slum Rehabilitation Act, each eligible resident of Dharavi will receive a rehabilitation unit of 350 sq. ft., an upgrade from the 300 sq. ft. units provided in other slum redevelopment projects.

Residents deemed ineligible for rehabilitation within Dharavi will be relocated to rental housing complexes outside the area under a hire-purchase arrangement. This ensures that all residents benefit from the redevelopment, even if they cannot be accommodated within Dharavi itself.

Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL), now known as Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL), is a joint venture between the Government of Maharashtra and the Adani Group. This project is often referred to as the largest urban rejuvenation project in the world and the first step towards making Mumbai slum-free. In November 2022, the Adani Group emerged as the winning bidder, committing an initial investment of ₹5,069 crore to kickstart the long-awaited transformation.

The approval of the Master Plan is a crucial milestone in the journey to transform Dharavi. It represents a commitment to sustainable urban development and a better quality of life for its residents.