The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has approved a proposal to allocate 140 acres of state-owned land in Malad’s Aksa and Malvani villages for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). This move aims to provide housing for families affected by the ambitious redevelopment project, which seeks to transform Dharavi into a modern residential and commercial hub.
The land, located within the Borivali district of Mumbai’s suburbs, will be transferred to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) once all legal formalities are completed. The government has decided that the DRP can request the land from the Mumbai suburbs’ collector only after determining the number of illegal slum dwellers currently residing in these areas. The acquisition process will follow the prevailing policies, along with rules under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Act.
This is the latest in a series of government moves to secure land for the redevelopment of Dharavi. Just last week, the state cabinet had approved the use of 255 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai for slum rehabilitation. The salt pan land includes areas in Kanjurmarg (120.5 acres), Bhandup (76.5 acres), and Mulund (58.5 acres), which are expected to play a significant role in housing displaced slum dwellers under the DRP.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is one of the largest urban renewal initiatives in the country, aiming to improve living conditions for thousands of slum dwellers while boosting infrastructure and creating a world-class business hub. The state’s decision to allocate more land is seen as a critical step in accelerating the project’s progress.
While the land allocation is a significant move, the government has emphasized that the acquisition and rehabilitation process will follow all legal protocols to ensure that the rights of existing residents are respected, and illegal encroachments are dealt with in accordance with the law. This is particularly important in areas like Aksa and Malvani, which have long struggled with issues of illegal encroachments and unregulated growth.
The state’s efforts to develop Dharavi align with its broader vision to transform Mumbai into a global city by improving housing, infrastructure, and the overall quality of life for its residents. With several land parcels now secured for the DRP, the focus will shift towards the timely construction of homes and the efficient relocation of affected families.
Also Read: Union Cabinet Sanctions Transfer of 256 Acres for Dharavi Redevelopment Project
