Breakthrough in Dharavi Redevelopment as State Cabinet Approves Land Handover
The long-standing stalemate over acquiring more land for the rehabilitation of those ineligible for free housing in the Dharavi redevelopment project is finally set to ease. In a significant development, the state cabinet has approved handing over 124 acres of Deonar dumping ground, Mumbai’s oldest and largest landfill spanning 311 acres, for the project.
Joint Venture and Payment Terms
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between the Adani Group and the state government, had jointly sought 540 acres of land to house the ineligible residents of Dharavi. As part of the agreement, the joint venture will have to pay 25% of the ready reckoner rate to the revenue department for acquiring the land.
Scientific Closure and Temporary Operations
The approval comes with certain conditions. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), being the planning authority, will ensure the closure of the dump in a scientific manner before granting permission for housing. However, the portion reserved for BMC includes land for ongoing waste-to-energy project works, a peripheral road, and ongoing landfill operations, which are said to be temporary and will eventually be shut down according to officials.
Criticisms and Concerns
The cabinet’s decision has faced criticism from some quarters. Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray has alleged that the landfill plot has been given to the Adani Group despite strong objections from BMC, which had a need for the land. Former Dharavi MLA and Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad expressed her concerns over what she called “the mega loot and betrayal of Mumbai.” She highlighted that the land in Deonar was previously a waste dumping ground that still poses gaseous discharge issues and is now being repurposed at the “cost of the rights of Dharavikars.” Furthermore, concerns have been raised by residents near the Deonar landfill who question how the BMC plans to handle the additional burden of housing when it is already struggling to provide civic facilities to existing residents. Currently, a survey is underway to determine eligibility criteria for residents in the Dharavi area.
Mulund Dumping Ground and Rental Housing Provision
Earlier, 46 acres of the Mulund dumping ground were also sought for the Dharavi project. However, it was recently disclosed by the BMC in response to an RTI query that the ongoing bio-mining work at that site would take at least six years to be completed. This suggested that the 46 acres of land would not be available for the rehabilitation plan. The state housing department estimates that a significant number of households, around 3-4 lakhs, would require rental housing as part of the redevelopment plan.
Additional Land Transfers for the Project
In addition to the Deonar dumping ground and the aforementioned Mulund land, the state cabinet also recently approved the transfer of 140 acres of collector’s land at Madh in Malad West for the Dharavi redevelopment project. The Centre has also given clearance for the handover of 256 acres of saltpans in the eastern suburbs for the project, but only 50 acres of this land is available for construction.
Implications and Challenges
While the land handover for the Dharavi project signifies progress in the redevelopment effort, it also implies that BMC’s plan to construct a boundary wall around the Deonar dump and implement additional measures to prevent recurring fires in the area may face delays. With high volumes of waste being generated in Mumbai, a significant portion of 6,500 tonnes out of 7,200 tonnes is currently discarded in Kanjurmarg and Deonar, requiring immediate attention and intervention from the BMC to ensure efficient waste management.
As the Dharavi redevelopment project moves forward, it is crucial to strike a balance between fulfilling the housing needs of residents and addressing concerns related to the scientific closure of existing waste dumps. Effective planning and execution of the project will be essential to bring about positive changes for the inhabitants of one of Mumbai’s most prominent areas.
