As one of the most populous cities in the world, Mumbai has struggled with inadequate housing for many years. Slums, characterized by cramped living conditions, poor sanitation, and limited access to basic services, are a common sight in the city. However, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in Mumbai is working to change that.
SRA was established in 1995 to address the issue of slums in Mumbai. The authority’s primary objective is to provide better living conditions for slum dwellers by rehabilitating and redeveloping slum areas. SRA’s rehabilitation projects aim to provide slum dwellers with access to basic services like water, sanitation, and healthcare, as well as better housing and infrastructure.
One of the significant challenges facing SRA is the availability of land for rehabilitation projects. Land is a scarce resource in Mumbai, and acquiring it for rehabilitation purposes can be difficult. Despite this challenge, SRA has successfully implemented several rehabilitation projects in the city. For example, the authority’s Dharavi redevelopment project aims to transform one of the largest slums in Asia into a modern township with better housing, infrastructure, and amenities.
SRA’s rehabilitation projects face other challenges, including limited funding, complex approval processes, resistance from slum dwellers, lack of political will, environmental concerns, and maintenance and sustainability issues. Despite these challenges, SRA has been successful in rehabilitating several slum areas in Mumbai.
SRA’s rehabilitation projects not only provide better living conditions for slum dwellers but also create employment opportunities and boost the economy. The rehabilitation projects generate employment opportunities in construction and related sectors, providing a source of livelihood for many people.
In conclusion, SRA plays a critical role in slum rehabilitation in Mumbai. The authority’s rehabilitation projects aim to transform the lives of slum dwellers by providing better housing, infrastructure, and access to basic services. SRA’s rehabilitation projects face several challenges, but the authority has been successful in rehabilitating several slum areas in the city. By transforming slums into livable areas, SRA is helping to build a more equitable and sustainable city for all.
Authored by;
Jai kumar Doble, Chartered Engineer, MBA (UK), MTech (Structure), BE Civil, IGBC AP