Dharavi Redevelopment: Amidst the controversy and apprehensions over the eviction notices issued in some areas in recent days regarding the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), the project management has clarified the situation, saying that this step has not been taken with the aim of permanently displacing any resident, but its purpose is to rapidly advance the work of one of the largest and most ambitious urban rehabilitation schemes in the country.
Dr. Mahendra Kalyankar, Chief Executive Officer of DRP and Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), said that the people of Dharavi have been living in extremely poor, unhygienic and inhumane conditions for the last several decades. In such a situation, redevelopment of Dharavi has not become an option for them, but a mandatory requirement.
He also underlined that due to the highly dense settlement of Dharavi, there is not enough open land available to start construction work, hence it has become inevitable to temporarily shift people in some limited areas, so that the necessary infrastructure can be created.
Temporary shifting necessary
Dr. Kalyankar said that the notices issued to about 42 residents in areas like Ganesh Nagar and Meghwadi are not aimed at any kind of forced displacement. This step has been taken mainly for important public works like laying of 1,800 mm diameter sewage pipeline, which can improve the sanitation system in the entire area and improve public health.
He stressed that the temporary rehabilitation of a few thousand people should be seen in the context of the larger goal of improving the quality of life of about 10 lakh Dharavi residents. Under this project, about 1.25 lakh new, permanent and safe houses will be built, which will benefit lakhs of residents in the long run. Officials claim that the entire process is being implemented within the ambit of law, with transparency and humane approach.
The project management has also clarified that the residents who are being temporarily shifted will not be left helpless in any way. Complete arrangements for financial assistance, brokerage support and alternative accommodation for rent are being made to the eligible families. Eligible residential families living on the ground floor are being given rent of Rs 18,000 per month, while eligible families living on the upper floors are getting assistance of Rs 15,000 per month.
1.25 lakh new houses in Dharavi
The special thing is that 12 months’ rent is being paid in lump sum in advance, so that families do not face any financial problems during transfer. At the same time, eligible business units are being compensated on the basis of their carpet area, so that the impact on their business can be reduced.
Apart from this, keeping in mind the rising inflation and possible increase in fare, a provision has also been made for 5 percent fare increase every year. According to officials, eligible residents of areas like Shatabdi Nagar are being shifted to MHADA’s transit apartments, so that they can get safe and dignified temporary accommodation.
Overall, DRP says that these temporary arrangements being made in the initial phase are very important to increase the pace of the project. Its ultimate objective is that in future every resident of Dharavi can live in a safe, clean, modern and respectable permanent house and get freedom from the poor living conditions of decades past forever.
