The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited, which is responsible for the reconstruction of the slum reclamatory Asia, held the first turning of the soil ceremony of the said project at the RPF Ground in Matunga on Thursday. As per the sources, this ceremony in sector 6 marks the commencement of construction of staff and officers’ quarters for the railway which will be turned over to the government upon completion based on the requirements in the Dharavi redevelopment tender documents.

The policy should help speed up the overall demolition of that part of Dharavi by the state and other similar authorities in order to enhance equitable development. The company which is the Adani group and in partnership with the state government DRPPL is advancing with the vision of a slum-free Mumbai by the year 2030. Mapping the area of Dharavi which is approximately 600 acres and very congested is important in order to facilitate the redevelopment of that area.

The project is expected to span around seven years before total completion. Upon completion, eligible members will be given a cubic flat of 350 square feet within the region, whilst those who are regarded as non-eligible will be resettled in another region in Mumbai. This is the first policy in Maharashtra under which tenable as well as untenable residents will get flats; no one will be left out. A source from DRPPL stated Thursday\’s ceremony was part of the tender’s requirements.

This was also the initial stage of the group’s commitment to redeveloping a contemporary Dharavi.

In the words of the source, ‘We are doing a redevelopment of one of the world\’s most densely populated sites’. ‘There is a commitment to provide a “Key to Key” interchange to the people of Dharavi which means that they will be given permanent residences such as the date scheduled and do not have to move to temporary houses’

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project shall bring India out through township rehabilitation into the world. The size of each of the new houses offered to Dharavi inhabitants will be 350 square feet and the amenities shall include a kitchen and a toilet. They shall also enjoy good roads, hospitals, schools, and recreational parks. These houses are 17 percent larger than those offered in any other slum rehabilitation program in Mumbai.

Residents who do not qualify for a modification of remodeling of Dharavi have been divided into 2 subclasses. They have been classified as occupants of the premises and those who occupied the premises between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2011 will be housed in homes based on ownership which will also be priced at reasonable rates. Tenants from rather recent 2011 onwards will be housed in an affordable rental housing scheme being offered by the state government and BEING RENTED with an option of purchase. Such individuals will be without house but they will continue to reside in new townships that are being constructed in other parts of Mumbai.

According to a DRPPL source, ‘These new townships will be very modernized as they will include schools, hospitals, gardens, and good roads.’ It is interesting to note that all the nonpolluting industries and commercial establishments that are eligible will be relocated within the confines of Dharavi itself.

A state government source said that DRPPL is currently considering every possible way to protect jobs and trade.

The DRPPL source added, ‘Better development of infrastructure will help the businesses increase on what they are doing and skill development and upskilling centers will allow the people to acquire more skills with more income. Moreover, businesses will go for SGST reimbursement for five years which will enhance their growth and sustainability.’