Asia's Largest Slum in Mumbai - Dharavi
Mumbai: In February, the Adani Group, led by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, is set to embark on a transformative journey in the redevelopment of Dharavi, Asia's largest slum in Mumbai. This ambitious project aims to collect data and biometrics from up to 1 million residents, determining eligibility for free homes in the redeveloped area.
Dharavi, sprawling over 640 acres, has long faced challenges in urban development. Despite decades of efforts, the area remains in need of significant improvement. Recently, the Adani Group secured the bid for the redevelopment, in collaboration with the state of Maharashtra, though legal disputes linger over the contract award.
Only residents who lived in Dharavi before the year 2000 are eligible for the free housing, a criterion established to ensure fairness. With the last survey conducted 15 years ago, concerns arise about the potential relocation of around 700,000 ineligible inhabitants, sparking worries of lost livelihoods or increased rent for those affected.
The Adani-led firm plans an extensive door-to-door survey, employing questionnaires to gather details such as residential or commercial use, proofs of ownership, and biometric data. S.V.R. Srinivas, head of the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority, emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the exercise, aiming to provide undue advantage to all eligible individuals.
Opposition parties in India have raised concerns, alleging unfair favoritism towards the Adani Group by the state government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party, in winning the $614 million redevelopment bid. Both the state and Adani deny any wrongdoing.
Adani has assembled global teams for the project, expressing confidence that redevelopment will commence within a year. The survey will unfold in two phases: a pilot phase within three to four weeks with a few hundred residents, followed by the full exercise spanning nine months.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Authority will determine the final eligibility of residents for free homes or relocation. Additional staff will be hired to oversee the survey and the overall project, ensuring transparency and fairness.
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