Dharavi Redevelopment: Upper-Floor Slum Dwellers to Be Relocated with New Housing Plan

The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has introduced a special policy under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) to include upper-floor slum dwellers in the redevelopment process. This marks the first comprehensive, human-centric development plan, offering relief to previously excluded residents of Dharavi.

Traditionally, upper-floor tenements in slums have been deemed illegal and excluded from slum rehabilitation projects. This has led to outright displacement of residents, who are often left with no alternatives. These upper-floor residents often relocated to other slums, creating new illegal structures and perpetuating a cycle of displacement. To address this issue and work towards a slum-free Mumbai, the state government has devised this thoughtful strategy under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, ensuring housing provisions for those living in upper-floor dwellings as well.

Key Highlights of the Policy

Inclusive Housing Scheme

Residents occupying upper-floor slums in Dharavi before November 15, 2022, will be eligible for rehabilitation under a rent-to-own model.

Housing Allocation Beneficiaries will be allotted a 300 sq. ft. home outside Dharavi on a 25-year rental lease.

Ownership Option: Residents can acquire full ownership by paying the government-set property price anytime during the 25-year lease or at the lease's end.

Documentation Requirements:

Applicants must provide one of the following documents:

Electricity bill

Registered sale agreement

Aadhaar card, ration card, or passport

Notarized affidavit from the ground-floor slum owner
 

Modern Living Standards:

Improved Amenities: Homes will include essential features such as separate kitchens and bathrooms, enhancing residents' quality of life.

Maintenance Support: Developers will manage building maintenance for the first 10 years, easing the financial burden on occupants.

Economic Opportunities: 10% of the project’s built-up area will be reserved for commercial spaces, providing a sustainable income source for housing societies.

Enhanced Infrastructure: The project will feature modern amenities, including wide roads, open spaces, healthcare centers, educational institutions, playgrounds, and entertainment hubs.

This policy aims to ensure equitable housing and elevate the living conditions of Dharavi’s upper-floor slum dwellers through a sustainable, future-ready township model. By addressing the issue of upper-floor tenements, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project has set a precedent for inclusive urban redevelopment.