Dharavi Redevelopment Gains Momentum with BMC’s Land Proposal

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has unveiled a strategic proposal under the Right to Information Act, detailing plans for land allocation crucial to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.

The disclosure, dated July 2, 2024, underscores BMC’s proactive stance in facilitating urban renewal initiatives amidst logistical complexities. According to the RTI response, BMC has put forth a proposal to Maharashtra State’s Urban Development Department for the immediate allocation of five acres of land in Mulund, out of a total earmarked 18 acres. This allocation is deemed readily available, aiming to expedite initial project phases. Concurrently, BMC plans to allocate the remaining 10 acres post the ongoing project’s completion n, ensuring phased deployment aligns with operational timelines. An advocate and social activist, leveraging the RTI mechanism, emphasized that while 41.6 acres are presently designated for dumping ground reclamation, earmarked for eventual integration into the Dharavi Rehabilitation Project post-June 2025, misinformation regarding land allocations surfaced during recent electoral campaigns. This disclosure highlights the evolving narrative surrounding Mumbai’s urban planning discourse. T

he BMC Commissioner’s letter, a focal point of the RTI revelation, addresses the Urban Development Department’s request from January 10, 2024. It delineates BMC’s commitment to supporting the redevelopment effort through strategic land allocations across Mulund, Dahisar check naka, and Mankhurd Octroi Naka. The proposal, aligned with Section 92 (CC) of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, underscores bureaucratic protocol in municipal land transfers. Crucially, the pending master plan for Dharavi’s redevelopment remains pivotal, delineating eligibility criteria, land requisites, and rehabilitation precincts. This blueprint will chart the course for integrating affected communities seamlessly into Mumbai’s urban fabric, underscoring socio-economic inclusivity amidst infrastructural rejuvenation efforts.

The BMC’s proactive measures reflect a concerted effort to harmonize administrative diligence with urban redevelopment imperatives, signaling a pivotal juncture in Mumbai’s urban evolution strategy.