In a crucial development for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL) completed the payment of ₹319.70 crore in October 2024 for acquiring 58.5 acres of salt pan land in Mulund. This land will be used to relocate and rehabilitate residents affected by the project. The land has been leased to the Maharashtra government for 99 years, with sub-leasing rights granted for project beneficiaries.
The redevelopment aims to transform Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums, into a modern residential and commercial hub. The Maharashtra government will oversee the relocation process, compensating existing leaseholders and ensuring rehabilitation for salt pan workers who may be displaced due to the project.
However, the move has sparked concerns among Mulund residents, who fear an increased strain on infrastructure, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation. Many locals have urged the authorities to prioritize existing Mulund residents for any housing benefits arising from the redevelopment.
Adding to the project’s scale, the Maharashtra cabinet has approved an additional 124.3 acres of land from the Deonar dumping yard for Dharavi’s rehabilitation. This allocation is expected to provide further space for housing and essential infrastructure.
As the project moves forward, authorities will need to address the concerns of both Dharavi’s relocated residents and Mulund’s existing population while ensuring that the redevelopment creates a sustainable and well-planned urban space.
