In a bold demonstration against the ongoing redevelopment efforts, approximately 100 residents of Dharavi gathered at a public meeting on Monday evening to raise their concerns about the ongoing survey for the proposed Dharavi Redevelopment Project. The protest was organized under the banner of the Dharavi Bachao Andolan, with residents voicing their demands for adequate housing and commercial spaces as part of the redevelopment.
Concerns About Survey and Transparency
The residents have expressed growing uncertainty over the ongoing survey being conducted in their community. Abdul Khan, a concerned resident, shared his anxiety about the process, stating, “The survey is being conducted by privately hired individuals who are not accompanied by government officials. We don’t know what information is being recorded, and we’re uncertain whether it’s being done correctly.” The lack of transparency has fueled fears of potential discrepancies in the process, leaving residents worried about the future of their homes and livelihoods.
The survey, which aims to assess the current infrastructure and inform the redevelopment plan, has become a point of contention for Dharavi’s residents, many of whom fear losing their homes and businesses in the process. With little clarity on the details, many residents are questioning the motives behind the survey and whether their needs will be adequately addressed in the final redevelopment plan.
Key Demands from Dharavi Residents
The primary demands of the protesters revolve around securing proper housing and commercial spaces within the redeveloped Dharavi. They have called for the following:
- Adequate Housing: Residents are seeking homes of at least 500 square feet and the promise of a shop in exchange for their current commercial spaces. They also demand that land currently used for commercial shops be replaced with commercial spaces in the redevelopment.
- Rehabilitation of Kumbharwada: The community in Kumbharwada, Dharavi’s pottery quarter, is particularly vocal about their need for rehabilitation within the redeveloped area. Ulvesh Gajakosh, coordinator of the Dharavi Bachao Andolan, emphasized the importance of keeping this community intact. He stated, “We need a few acres in Dharavi, which will include our residential area and commercial establishments. We do not want to be relocated to other parts of the city.”
- Retention of Dharavi’s Identity: Many residents have stressed that Dharavi is a hub for small-scale industries, and they believe that it is essential for the redevelopment project to respect and preserve the area’s cultural and industrial identity. The protestors are adamant that the private developer should not erase an important part of the city’s history and economy.
- Officially Constructed Chawls: The residents are demanding that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) construct chawls to provide proper housing. Additionally, they have called for the provision of 750 square feet houses for those living in areas falling under the estate department of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).
Clarification from Redevelopment Project Officials
In response to the protests and demands, an official associated with the Dharavi Redevelopment Project clarified the entitlements of residents under the scheme. The official stated, “All ground-floor commercial tenements on or before January 1, 2000, are entitled to rehabilitation within the Dharavi Notified Area (DNA). Tenements with existing areas up to 250 square feet will receive actual areas, subject to a maximum of 225 square feet. Tenements larger than 250 square feet will receive 225 square feet free of cost, with additional space available at the cost of construction, as determined by the Government of Maharashtra.”
While the official’s statement clarifies some aspects of the project, the residents remain unconvinced, feeling that the promises made by the developers and the government fall short of addressing their basic needs for space and livelihood.
Conclusion: A Divided Community
As the Dharavi Redevelopment Project progresses, tensions between the government, developers, and residents continue to rise. The protest is a clear indication of the deep concerns felt by those who call Dharavi home. While the redevelopment holds the potential for improved infrastructure and living conditions, residents fear losing their identity, businesses, and community in the process. As the project moves forward, it remains to be seen how the demands of the Dharavi residents will be addressed and whether a fair resolution can be reached that satisfies all parties involved.
