The Future of Dharavi: Can Adani's Redevelopment Plan Deliver?

Dharavi, Asia's largest slum, is set for a major transformation. Adani Group's redevelopment plan promises to bring in state-of-the-art infrastructure, social overhaul, and economic upgradation. But will it deliver?

DharaviAdani GroupRedevelopmentMumbaiReal EstateReal Estate MumbaiAug 21, 2024

The Future of Dharavi: Can Adani's Redevelopment Plan Deliver?
Real Estate Mumbai:Dharavi, a cauldron of contradictions, has long been a subject of debate. Economically, it is an emblem of India's informal economy, with thousands of businesses generating an estimated annual turnover of over $1 billion. Culturally, it is a symbol of Indian ingenuity, with a thriving ecosystem of industries from leather and textiles to pottery and recycling.

The redevelopment plan, which has been in the works for decades, got real when Adani Realty beat DLF and Naman Developers to be part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Ltd (DRPPL) in late 2022. The project promises to bring in state-of-the-art infrastructure, social overhaul, and economic upgradation.

But can it deliver? The plan has been met with resistance from some residents, who are demanding that the state government's development body, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), or any other government agency, should develop Dharavi rather than the Adanis.

There are also concerns about the size of the housing, with some demanding that the 350 square feet flats on offer should be increased to 500 square feet. The Adani Group claims that the 350 square feet flats are 17% bigger than the typical size offered in similar slum development projects in Mumbai.

Despite the challenges, the project has the potential to transform Dharavi into a modern business hub, while existing micro enterprises and small industries will be supported and strengthened. The redevelopment plan also promises to bring in new-age jobs, with a special focus on the youth and women.

The project is expected to bring in significant job creation, both directly in the construction phase, and by skilling residents to participate in the larger services economy of post redevelopment. There are also plans to set up MSME incubation and innovation centres along with skilling centres to provide opportunities for local youth to have start-ups of their own.

Ultimately, the success of the project will depend on the ability of the Adani Group to deliver on its promises. As one resident put it, 'We are looking forward to a better life, but we are still awaiting clarity over the future of our business. Where and how are we going to be rehabilitated and how will we continue our work?'

Only time will tell if the redevelopment plan will deliver on its promises and transform Dharavi into a modern business hub.

Other challenges that need to be addressed include the eligibility criteria for rehabilitation, with some residents demanding that the cutoff date for eligibility should be extended. There are also concerns about the impact of the project on the environment, with some residents demanding that the project should be designed in a way that minimizes its impact on the environment.

Despite the challenges, the redevelopment plan has the potential to transform Dharavi into a modern business hub, while existing micro enterprises and small industries will be supported and strengthened. The project promises to bring in new-age jobs, with a special focus on the youth and women.

The project is expected to bring in significant job creation, both directly in the construction phase, and by skilling residents to participate in the larger services economy of post redevelopment. There are also plans to set up MSME incubation and innovation centres along with skilling centres to provide opportunities for local youth to have start-ups of their own.

Ultimately, the success of the project will depend on the ability of the Adani Group to deliver on its promises. As one resident put it, 'We are looking forward to a better life, but we are still awaiting clarity over the future of our business. Where and how are we going to be rehabilitated and how will we continue our work?'

Only time will tell if the redevelopment plan will deliver on its promises and transform Dharavi into a modern business hub.

The company's boilerplate
Adani Group is a multinational conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of businesses, including energy, resources, logistics, and real estate. The company is committed to sustainable development and has a strong track record of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.

The government's boilerplate
The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is a state government agency responsible for providing affordable housing to the people of Maharashtra. The agency has a strong track record of delivering large-scale housing projects and is committed to providing quality housing to all sections of society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is a large-scale redevelopment project aimed at transforming Dharavi, Asia's largest slum, into a modern business hub.

Who is behind the redevelopment project?

The redevelopment project is being led by the Adani Group, a multinational conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of businesses.

What are the benefits of the redevelopment project?

The redevelopment project promises to bring in state-of-the-art infrastructure, social overhaul, and economic upgradation, creating new-age jobs and opportunities for local youth.

What are the concerns about the redevelopment project?

There are concerns about the eligibility criteria for rehabilitation, the impact of the project on the environment, and the size of the housing units.

What is the timeline for the redevelopment project?

The redevelopment project is expected to be completed within seven years, with the first phase of construction expected to begin soon.

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