DHARAVI

Between Mahim in the west and Sion in the east. Covers an area of 535 acres. Population over 1 million people. 57,000 families. Dharavi exports goods around the world. Turnover US$650 million per year.

DHARAVI RE-DEVELOPMENT PLAN

DRP
Since 1997 Companies from around the world have bid to redevelop Dharavi, including Lehman Brothers, Dubais Limitless and Singapores Capitaland Ltd. Estimated to cost INR15000 crore (US$2.3 billion) to redevelop. The latest urban redevelopment plan proposed for the Dharavi area is managed by American-trained architect Mukesh Mehta.

Key features of DRP

The Dharavi project proposed to re-develop the area and allot people flats measuring 225 sq ft each. Shopping complexes, hospitals, schools, wider roads and playgrounds. Development of local industrial units. Integration of slum dwellers with main stream inhabitants of Mumbai. Two bus stations in addition to bus depot. A bus loop route which runs through all sectors and connects railway nodes. 70% of premium given to land owners.

Critical Analysis of Dharavi Redevelopment Plan

Benefits
Slum dwellers
High quality infrastructure & housing will lead to transformation of slum houses to brick houses & hence will improve lifestyle index of slum dwellers. 15 years guarantee given by developer for maintenance which will help slum dwellers to save the maintenance cost, increasing there disposable income. Improved quality of life.

Government
No investment from government, while having potential tangible gains worth 5000 cr from from the industries after the commercialization. The Crime Rate will be curbed, presently a number of thugs & goons live in the Dharavi region after the development & structuring of dharavi it is expected that all of this will decrease. Promoting economic development.

Critical Analysis of Dharavi Redevelopment Plan

Disadvantage
The population to be relocated is comparatively very high , so developing phase by phase will take many year, and hence the project cost may increase. Political conflicts will increase. Slum Dwellers are not ready to accept change 70% will be commercialized and 30% will remain for slum dwellers. So, 70% privatization will dominate the rest 30% , which may result in increasing conflicts between two groups. DRP plans to give 225 Sqft houses for each family , but few families may need more space due to different reasons. DRP will increase the living cost of the individual , which may force them to rent their houses to earn livelihood and move to another slum. DRP may lead to exclusion of poors from the city and only benefit the middle income group in the future.