Mumbai: The population of Dharavi is projected to shrink to 4.9 lakh following the implementation of the ambitious redevelopment plan, according to a presentation made to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde earlier this week. Current population estimates for the sprawling slum range from 7 lakh to 1 million, suggesting a significant decongestion over the next decade.
During the briefing, SVR Srinivas—CEO of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project and chairman of Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd, the special purpose vehicle (SPV) executing the plan—shared detailed projections. The population after redevelopment will include approximately 3 lakh slum dwellers and residents of authorized buildings. An estimated 1 lakh new residents are expected to move into newly built sale units. Properties excluded from the redevelopment will house another 65,000–70,000 people. Additionally, natural population growth during the 7-year project span is expected to add around 16,000 residents.
However, the redevelopment plan has faced sharp criticism from local leaders and residents. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad, former Dharavi MLA, slammed the process, saying, “No elected representative or resident was invited to the presentation—only Adani representatives were present. The survey is incomplete, and the annexure on eligibility isn’t ready. People don’t know where they will be resettled. For whom is this project really being implemented?”
The plan, seen by some as an attempt at gentrification, envisions a massive transformation of the 2.5 sq km area. It includes a “green spine,” a central park, waterfront development, a museum, and mixed-use high-rise neighborhoods supporting traditional artisan livelihoods. A multi-modal transit hub is also on the cards. Five new access points will connect Dharavi to key areas like Bandra-Kurla Complex, Sion, and Mahim.
The estimated cost of rehabilitation stands at ₹95,790 crore. The project involves the construction of 49,832 residential rehabilitation units and 8,700 renewal units, along with 12,458 commercial and industrial rehab units and 1,010 commercial renewal units. The saleable component will span 120 acres.
Dharavi, one of the world’s largest informal settlements, has a history that stretches back over a century. Once a mangrove swamp and landfill, it first drew settlers due to unregulated, vacant land. Communities such as the Koli fishers, potters from Saurashtra (Kumbharwada), Muslim leather tanners from Tamil Nadu, artisans from Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil snack vendors all played roles in shaping Dharavi’s diverse economy and cultural landscape.
Today, the area is overcrowded, with homes crammed into low-lying creek lands and linked by narrow lanes often just 2–3 feet wide. Lack of road development has hindered the installation of basic infrastructure like sewer lines, the report noted.
Still, local leaders are voicing concerns about the opaque planning process. Dharavi MLA Jyoti Gaikwad stated, “This plan is for Adani, not for Dharavi’s people. If it were, it would have been shared with the public before finalisation.” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray questioned, “Who from Mumbai attended the meeting? If half the population is being displaced, then those being resettled should at least be given 500 sq ft homes.”
