Housing minister Jitendra Awhad has written to the chief minister Uddhav Thackeray asking him to start Dharavi redevelopment immediately.
By Varun Singh
Housing minister for the state Jitendra Awhad wants chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to start Dharavi redevelopment immediately
Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi has been waiting redevelopment for close to 16 years now. There have been several tenders floated but the work hasn’t begun yet.
The housing minister took to social media and informed that he has written to the CM asking him to start the redevelopment.
“I have written. letter to Office of UT to start Dharavi redevelopment project immediately. It will give Mumbai a booster dose, which is need of the hour. Will put in some life to thudding housing industry. Will create some jobs. Lets not waste time and move ahead,” tweeted Awhad.
The previous government led by Devendra Fadanvis had formed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the redevelopment of Dharavi, where government would also be part of it. Fadanvis government had announced that it will float a Special Purpose Vehicle for the redevelopment of Dharavi where the lead partner, when forms the SPV, will have 80% equity (Rs 400 crore) while the government will hold 20% equity (Rs 100 crore).
There were tenders floated and while Seclink group became a front runner, quoting Rs 7,200 crore, the second bidder was Adani who had bid Rs 4,500 crore. However, since January 2019 no decision has been taken yet on who to award the tender.
Also Read: Dharavi Residents To Oppose Fresh Bids For Redevelopment.
Dharavi is spread over 240 acres of land in Central Mumbai and is one of the biggest slums in the continent. It has around 12,000 commercial establishments and over 67,000 residents.
Dharavi comprises of mult-storeyed shanties, chawls and some small buildings too. There are several small industrial units and commercial outlets in Dharavi.
Will the minister’s public intervention help the cause of Dharavi redevelopment, that only time will tell. For now, at least the conversation has begun once again.
Also Read: Dharavi Residents Want Neighbour CM Thackeray To Speed Redevelopment.
