Initiating the crucial phase of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, the survey kickstarted from Kamla Raman Nagar in Maharashtra on Monday. SVR Srinivas, CEO of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, emphasized the significance of the project and announced the commencement of the survey.
“In this survey, we are assigning unique ID numbers. Today, we are initiating the numbering process; subsequently, another team will digitally store the data on tablets within the next five to six days. Our aim is to complete the surveys within eight months. Additionally, we are conducting an upper structure survey, assigning unique identifiers to each structure,” stated the CEO.
Srinivas urged residents to cooperate with the survey team. “I urge residents to provide necessary details when our team visits them. The survey outcomes will enable us to ascertain the population residing here. This marks a significant step towards Dharavi’s redevelopment, and we anticipate a positive response from the community,” he added.
Local residents expressed optimism about the redevelopment project, anticipating larger and improved living spaces. “We are delighted with the redevelopment project’s prospects, expecting larger accommodations. All necessary documentation has been completed, and we eagerly await the transformation. Currently, cramped living conditions pose challenges for us,” shared a local resident with ANI.
The collected data will aid the state government in establishing eligibility criteria for rehabilitation under the proposed redevelopment scheme.
Under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRPPL), a joint venture between the AdGroup and the Government of Maharashtra, eligible residential units will receive flats with independent kitchens and toilets spanning a minimum of 350 square feet, marking a 17% increase and the highest among slum redevelopment projects in Mumbai.
Previously, dwellers of informal settlements in Maharashtra were allocated houses measuring 269 square feet. Since 2018, the state government has started providing homes ranging between 315 and 322 square feet, aligning with the minimum area specified under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for urban poor housing.
A spokesperson from DRPPL highlighted the significance of the new flats, emphasizing their role in enhancing living conditions while preserving Dharavi’s essence.
Eligible residential units, existing before January 1, 2000, will receive flats with separate kitchens and built-in toilets, designed to be well-lit, ventilated, and hygienic. Community facilities including halls, recreational areas, gardens, dispensaries, and daycare centers for children will also be provided.
Ineligible residential units will be accommodated under the proposed affordable rental housing policy, with development akin to Dharavi planned for various Navi Dharavis to address the substantial housing demand.
DRPPL is committed to transforming Dharavi and aims to set new benchmarks in slum rehabilitation and urban rejuvenation, drawing inspiration from best practices observed in advanced nations like Singapore.