Mumbai's Dharavi slum, one of Asia's largest, has a storied history of growth and challenges. Its transformation has been a long-standing goal, with several attempts to redevelop the 594-acre (240-hectare) slum. The latest effort, led by the Adani Group, seeks to turn this area into a modern city hub. However, this ambitious plan is not without its share of obstacles, especially the resettlement of the slum's 1 million residents. Let's delve into the timeline of Dharavi's development and the endeavors to reshape its future.
1800s: Growth Amidst Migration
Dharavi's origins trace back to the 1800s when migration into Bombay, now known as Mumbai, led to the establishment of various trades and businesses. Potters, leather tanners, artisans, and embroidery workers found opportunities in the region. However, the rapid growth of slum dwellers building huts in an unplanned manner led to the formation of what we now recognize as Dharavi.
1971-76: State Initiatives for Improvement
The state government of Maharashtra recognized the need for better living conditions in Mumbai's slums and passed legislation to enhance the quality of life for residents. This included providing essential amenities like taps, toilets, and electrical connections.
2004-05: Redevelopment Plans
Acknowledging the need for change, the Maharashtra government approved a redevelopment plan for Dharavi and established the Slum Rehabilitation Authority to oversee the project's planning and execution.
2007-08: Evolving Demographics
A survey conducted by the Maharashtra Social Housing and Action League highlighted the complexity of Dharavi's population and structures. The official count included around 47,000 legal residents and 13,000 commercial structures. However, this figure failed to account for the informal population occupying upper floors and the subsequent growth of the slum.
2016: Failed Development Attempts
The state government attempted to attract developers to revamp Dharavi's landscape, but these efforts proved unsuccessful in generating interest.
2018: New Hope with Tenders
In 2018, Maharashtra issued a tender for the redevelopment of Dharavi, featuring a partnership between the government (20%) and the private sector (80%). Among the bidders were Dubai's SecLink consortium and India's Adani Group.
2019: Bidding and Competition
SecLink consortium placed the highest bid at $871 million, with Adani Group following closely at $548 million.
2020: Hurdles and Setbacks
The Maharashtra government canceled the 2018 tender due to changes in land acquisition that affected project costs after the bidding process had concluded. This led to the need for a fresh start in the tendering process.
2020-2022: Legal Battles and Resilience
SecLink responded to the cancellation by filing a lawsuit against the Maharashtra government, claiming the tender cancellation was unjust. The legal battle underscored the complexities of the project and the differing perspectives of stakeholders.
2022: A New Chapter
Maharashtra issued a revised tender with modifications, and the Adani Group re-entered the fray with a bid of $614 million. This time, other companies like India's DLF also joined the bidding process, while SecLink opted not to participate.
2023: Adani Takes the Helm
After a lengthy journey, the state government awarded the Dharavi redevelopment project to the Adani Group. However, this decision was met with further legal challenges, as SecLink included Adani Group in their ongoing lawsuit against the state government. The legal battle continues, with both Adani Group and the state government refuting allegations of misconduct.
The story of Dharavi's transformation encapsulates the complexities of urban development, addressing informal settlements, and balancing the interests of various stakeholders. As the journey continues, it remains to be seen how Mumbai's Dharavi will evolve into a modern city hub while addressing the challenges of resettlement and sustainable development.
