Dharavi’s Upper-Level Residents Included in Rehabilitation Initiative

Mumbai, Dec 19 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking initiative under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has launched a revolutionary policy to include residents of upper-floor tenements, making it the most inclusive and human-centric redevelopment plan in the history of Maharashtra, according to officials.

Historically, upper-floor tenements in slums have been considered illegal and excluded from slum rehabilitation efforts. This exclusion has resulted in the displacement of residents, leaving them with no viable options. Consequently, these upper-floor inhabitants often migrated to other slums, leading to the establishment of new illegal structures and continuing the cycle of displacement.

To tackle this challenge and work towards a slum-free Mumbai, the state government has come up with this innovative approach under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, guaranteeing housing opportunities for those residing in upper-floor accommodations as well.

According to a Government Resolution (GR) issued on October 4, 2024, all holders of upper-floor tenements in Dharavi as of November 15, 2022, are eligible for rehabilitation under a hire-purchase scheme.

Through this scheme, tenement holders will be provided with a 300 sq ft home in Mumbai, outside Dharavi, at a nominal rent for a duration of 25 years, after which they will attain ownership of the unit. The policy also grants flexibility, enabling residents to make a lump-sum payment at any point within the 25-year period to secure title ownership of the unit. The rent and purchase price of the unit will be established and collected by the DRP/state government.

The GR specifies that only upper-floor residents who submit documents such as electricity bills, registered sale or rental agreements, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, or passports indicating the floor, or an affidavit certified by an eligible ground-floor resident will qualify for the hire-purchase scheme.

"Under the hire-purchase scheme, Dharavikars will transition into modern housing equipped with essential amenities like private toilets and kitchens, ensuring dignity, privacy, and a better quality of life," stated a DRP-SRA official.

The buildings will be maintained by the developer for a period of 10 years post-rehabilitation, alleviating financial pressures on residents. Additionally, 10 percent of the constructed area will be developed for commercial use, creating a sustainable income stream for the housing societies. The new townships will feature wide roads, green spaces, healthcare facilities, schools, and recreational areas for children and families.

By addressing the challenges faced by upper-floor tenements, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project has established a new benchmark for inclusive urban redevelopment.

"This initiative not only enhances living conditions but also provides residents with a sense of ownership and pride, heralding a new era in Mumbai’s slum rehabilitation efforts," the DRP-SRA official added.

Thousands of families, who have lived in precarious circumstances for years, will now gain access to stable, affordable housing, ensuring a dignified future.