The master plan for the Dharavi redevelopment project was approved on Wednesday (May 27, 2025) during a review meeting attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and senior officials.
“Dharavi should be developed in an environmentally friendly and integrated manner while preserving its original concept,” said Mr. Fadnavis, stating that the top priority of the project should be the rehabilitation of local artisans and those running small-scale businesses.
Note of concern
The Dharavi Redevelopment Plan (DRP) is a joint venture between the Adani group and the Maharashtra government to redevelop Asia’s largest slum cluster, home to nearly 60,000 families. However, the project faces opposition as residents have raised concerns over the survival of small-scale manufacturing and industrial units in Dharavi. There has been no clarity on the rehabilitation of these workers.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, eligible beneficiaries should be given space in the redeveloped area, and the concept of rehabilitation should preserve the basic commercial identity of Dharavi. For this, the relevant agencies should carry out development work by taking the local people into confidence.
Responding to the nod for the Dharavi master plan, activists asked if the government would discuss the plan with the people who will be rehabilitated. “Citizens should be told where they will be rehabilitated. Objections/suggestions should be taken from the people, which has not been done. Therefore, it is not clear where they will be rehabilitated,” said lawyer and activist Sagar Devre. He said 1,200 acres of land will be given to the developer without residents having any clarity on who all will be treated as unauthorised occupants.
Published – May 28, 2025 11:50 pm IST
