MUMBAI – The Maharashtra government has reached a major milestone in the Dharavi Project by officially handing over 118 acres of land in Malad-Malvani to the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). The move is designed to provide modern housing for thousands of families as part of the world’s largest urban renewal effort.
Securing the Malad site
The land, located at Mukteshwar in Malad, is valued at approximately ₹540 crore. While the site originally spanned 140 acres, 22 acres are currently tied up in legal disputes, leaving 118 acres ready for immediate use.
This handover is a critical step for the Dharavi Project, which is being managed by a joint venture between the state government and the Adani Group. Under the agreement, the SRA will keep ownership of the land, while the developer holds the rights to build and manage the housing complexes.
Who is eligible for the new homes?
The Malad site is specifically intended for residents who cannot be rehoused within the original Dharavi area. These “ineligible” residents typically include:
- Families living on the upper floors of existing structures.
- Newer residents moved to Dharavi between January 1, 2011, and November 15, 2022.
These residents will be offered modern apartments through a hire-purchase arrangement, allowing them to live in formal housing rather than informal settlements. Each unit is expected to be roughly 350 square feet, which is a significant size increase compared to previous slum redevelopment projects in Mumbai.
The bigger picture: A slum-free Mumbai
The Malad land parcel is just one piece of a massive “land bank” being created for the Dharavi Project. The state government has identified a total of 540 acres across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for rehabilitation. Other locations include:
- Kurla: The Mother Dairy land.
- Mulund & Kanjurmarg: Designated salt pan lands.
- Deonar: Portions of the former dumping ground.
By spreading the project across these locations, officials hope to construct between 1.25 and 1.5 lakh new homes, eventually improving the lives of nearly 10 lakh people.
Looking ahead
With the land now officially in the hands of the SRA, the developer can begin planning and construction. The Dharavi Project has a strict timeline: the developer is expected to complete the rehabilitation housing within seven years, while the entire transformation of the Dharavi area is slated for completion over the next 17 years.
As construction begins, the project aims to turn crowded settlements into a modern township, setting a new standard for urban living in India.
Also read – New hope for old buildings: Maharashtra forms panel to solve redevelopment deadlock
Disclaimer – This article is for informational purposes only. While based on recent reports, details regarding the Dharavi Project may change as government policies and construction plans evolve over time.
Source – Hindustan Times
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