Mumbai's Dharavi Redevelopment: Equal Land Division for Rehabilitation and For-Sale Units

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued significant directives for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). According to details obtained through an RTI application, Fadnavis has instructed the DRP to increase the size of rental tenements to 350 sqft for those ineligible for free housing and rehabilitation within the Dharavi notified area. Additionally, the size of homes for residents of planned buildings will be increased from 405 sqft to 500 sqft.

Fadnavis also emphasized that the land in Dharavi should be equally divided between the rehabilitation section and the for-sale component. The CM further directed the DRP to ensure that the survey of all slums across Mumbai follows the twin digital model adopted in Dharavi.

On May 28, Fadnavis, along with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, who handles the housing portfolio, were given a presentation on the Dharavi redevelopment master plan. Fadnavis suggested several changes to it, as per information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by Shiv Sena (UBT) worker Sagar Devre, who has been leading the opposition to the relocation of Dharavi residents in Mulund East.

The master plan for the Dharavi notified area is based on the Development Plan 2016 for Dharavi. According to the instructions issued by the CM at the May 28 meeting, the special purpose vehicle (SPV) has been directed to carry out changes to the master plan. However, the SPV has not yet received any communication from the government or the DRP on these matters.

The state government has already earmarked 256 acres of salt pan land at Mulund, Bhandup, and Kanjurmarg, and nearly 21.3 acres of Kurla Dairy land for building rental housing. Additionally, 215 acres of the Deonar dumping ground and 140 acres of revenue land at Aksai, Madh in Malad West, will also be provided for rental housing. There will be no rental housing in the Dharavi notified area. All those settled in Dharavi post-2011 and up to November 15, 2022, are eligible for rental housing.

Navbharat Mega Developer has announced 300 sqft homes for rental housing. The government will decide on the rent, and after 10 years, the tenant can own the unit. The government is also considering providing the option of upfront ownership if the tenant is willing to make a one-time payment of rent for 10 years.

Residents of planned buildings had recently met Shinde and demanded 500 sqft homes instead of 405 sqft. 'It was former Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale who arranged this meeting for us three months ago. Shinde had assured us we would be provided 500 sqft homes,' said a resident.