Dharavi Redevelopment: Why DRPPL Needs 800 Acres Across Mumbai?

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRPPL) is currently under scrutiny as residents, social groups, and political parties question its demand for 1,250 acres of land across Mumbai. In response, DRPPL has clarified its intentions to build townships named 'Nav Dharavi' for Dharavi residents.

The DRPPL is an 80: 20 joint venture between the Adani group and the state government that aims to provide free for residents who have lived in Dharavi since before 2000. However, those who settled between 2000 and 2011 will need to move.

Initial reports indicated that DRPPL had asked for 1,250 acres, which included various land parcels such as 45 acres of railway land, 64 acres in Mulund, 283.40 acres of salt pan lands, 820 acres from the Deonar dumping ground, 17 acres from the Bandra-Kurla Complex's G Block, and 21 acres of Mother Dairy land at Kurla. However, DRPPL officials have now stated that the actual land sought is 541 acres, with a possibility of requiring more land later, but the total will not exceed 800 acres.

An official from DRPPL explained that while the Deonar land parcel is around 800 acres on paper, only 200 acres are being sought for Nav Dharavi. Furthermore, although the state cabinet sanctioned 283 acres of salt pan land near Bhandup, only 250 acres are available for rehabilitation due to 33 acres being used for various government projects. The 17 acres in the G block of BKC are designated for a casting yard, not rehabilitation.

The official clarified that, according to the tender and Dharavi Redevelopment Plan, eligible slum dwellers would receive free homes within Dharavi itself, whereas 'Nav Dharavi' areas across Mumbai are intended for those ineligible for free housing. Presently, 541 acres of land are requested, encompassing 250 acres of salt pan lands in the eastern suburbs, 200 acres at Deonar, around 70 acres at two locations in Mulund, and 21 acres at Kurla. The final figures of ineligible slum dwellers will be determined after a survey, but it is estimated that the total land required will remain under 800 acres.

In response to queries regarding the necessity of this land when 600 acres are already available in Dharavi, officials noted that only about 300 acres of this land are usable for redevelopment. The remaining 300 acres include Dharavi Koliwada, the Mahim Nature Park, a power substation, and an upcoming BMC sewage water treatment plant, which cannot be used for the project.

DRPPL officials emphasized that Nav Dharavi will not resemble typical slum rehabilitation schemes. Each Nav Dharavi will be a modern township with facilities such as schools, healthcare centres, and green areas. Approximately 18 per cent of the land will be dedicated to social infrastructure and 15 per cent to roads, necessitating large land parcels for the rehabilitation of ineligible Dharavi residents.

The Dharavi Bachao Andolan has been vocal about DRPPL's land demands for the rehabilitation of ineligible tenants since June. Controversy heightened after the state government sanctioned land in Kurla for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. Various social and political leaders have voiced their concerns, questioning why DRPPL requires 1,250 acres of land to redevelop Dharavi, which spans only 600 acres.