Mumbai, April 8: The mapping of Dharavi is nearing completion with close to one lakh tenements already numbered. This indicates overwhelming participation and a sense of anticipation among Dharavikars, who have long awaited development of the area. Those few who have not participated so far have either opted out voluntarily or have chosen not to engage in the survey because of political ideologies.
The survey numbers are becoming staggering day by day as it enters its final lap. As per latest figures, lane recce has been completed for approximately 99,000 tenements, and over 93,000 tenements have been numbered. Household survey has been completed for more than 67,847 tenements.
The Dharavi survey is being conducted in four stages. In the first stage, survey teams conduct a physical reconnaissance of every lane and by-lane to assess the structurers. In the second stage, each house is given a unique identification number. In the third stage, digital mapping of every structure is done through Lidar technology. In the fourth and final stage, survey teams visit and collect documents from tenement holders.
To ensure no one is left behind, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP)/SRA of Government of Maharashtra, recently extended the deadline to submit documents from March 31, 2025, to April 15, 2025. It was widely communicated through newspaper advertisements.
Even though CM Devendra Fadnavis and DRP CEO SVR Srinivas have categorically mentioned that the Dharavi project is aimed at housing for all, the government’s plans are attacked by the opposition thereby confusing a section of gullible Dharavikars and their own devout followers. According to them, DRP is making efforts to declare thousands of residents ineligible, which will lead to conflict in Dharavi.
Commenting on the issue, an NMDPL spokesperson said, “Our endeavour is to provide homes and commercial galas to all eligible tenement holders within Dharavi Notified Area (DNA), and all qualified ineligible residential tenement holders outside Dharavi but within MMR. We do not intend to leave out anyone as per GoM’s vision for a slum-free Mumbai. The project is being executed as per provisions of the project tender and, as developers, we shall comply with the policies are laid out by the government.”
According to the NMDPL spokesperson, barring approximately 15,150 tenements belonging to Kumbharwada, 13th compound and a few owing to their allegiance to specific political ideology, all Dharavikars have been fully covered and would get proper homes, commercials shops and galas.
However, it has been learnt that these 15,150 odd tenements have been informed to come forward by April 15, 2025, beyond which they would be left behind and they wouldn’t qualify for benefits under the redevelopment project. As per rules, in due course, all illegal settlements are removed.
