In a significant step towards the much-anticipated Dharavi Redevelopment Project, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL), a collaboration between the state government and the Adani Group, has announced the launch of a comprehensive survey on March 18. This survey aims to collect crucial data from the vast population of slum dwellers in Dharavi, with the objective of determining rehabilitation eligibility and creating a revolutionary ‘Digital Dharavi,’ a cutting-edge repository of one of the world’s largest informal settlements.
The spokesperson for DRPPL emphasized that this initiative marks the commencement of one of the largest urban rejuvenation projects globally, symbolizing the government’s commitment to making Mumbai slum-free. The project envisions transforming Dharavi into a world-class township, propelling it into a state-of-the-art city within Mumbai. The survey is crucial in facilitating the rehabilitation process and realizing the dream of providing residents with modern homes.
Starting from Kamla Raman Nagar, the survey will assign a unique number to each slum tenement, followed by a ‘Lidar Survey’ involving laser mapping of lanes. A specially trained team will employ an indigenously developed application to scan documents during visits to every tenement. Additionally, a toll-free helpline (1800-268-8888) has been activated to address queries and concerns from Dharavi residents.
A distinctive feature of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) is its commitment to providing a home to every informal tenement holder, including those who may not initially qualify. The recent announcement ensures that all eligible and ineligible tenement holders will receive a flat with an independent kitchen and toilet. Furthermore, eligible industrial and commercial units in the redeveloped Dharavi will enjoy a five-year tax holiday in State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) to boost and formalize their businesses.
DRPPL has enlisted the expertise of renowned city and infrastructure planning experts, including the US-based design firm Sasaki and UK-based town planners Buro Happold, to envision and design a world-class city in Dharavi.
Dharavi, known for its numerous industrial and commercial units, is home to businesses manufacturing garments and leather items, supplying to both national and international brands. With turnovers estimated in millions of dollars, these units are eager to formalize their operations to expand and gain traction globally.
