The Hindu Business Line : Plan to redevelop Dharavi slums

Mumbai May 29 On June 1, the Maharashtra Government will call for global expression of interest for the redevelopment of Dharavi slum. The slum would be developed on the basis of public private partnership, said Mr S.S. Kshatriya, Principal Secretary (Housing).

Talking to the media here at the Secretariat, Mr Kshatriya said the

redevelopment of Dharavi slums would involve rehabilitation of 52,000 slum families and creation of over 10 million square metres of built-up space for housing the families.

Currently, the slum is spread across 535 acres. Under the redevelopment project, every eligible slum dweller would be provided free a house of 225 square feet carpet area with attached toilet and bathroom. The project cost is about Rs 5,600 crore.

Pre-qualification

Mr Kshatriya said that pre-qualification of the developers for the project would be completed by September 1. The complete process of redevelopment could take about seven years from the day of inception. The project would be developed on the basis of a township model, he said.

Studies by urban planners have shown that once Dharavi is redeveloped it is expected to develop an economy of about Rs 13,000 crore from the present Rs 2,000-3,000 crore, which is mainly contributed by small-scale enterprises. The idea is to convert the slum into an area of economic growth and to integrate it with Mumbai's mainstream life.

The State Government had approved the initial scheme in 2004. As per the scheme, Dharavi would be developed in 10 sectors, using low-cost high-speed mass housing construction technology.

Every residential building in the project will have seven storeys. However, the developer can construct more than seven floors in consultation with the concerned cooperative housing society of slum dwellers.

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