The massive Dharavi redevelopment project, one of Asia’s most ambitious slum rehabilitation efforts, is making significant headway. With surveys nearing completion and rehabilitation construction already underway, attention has turned to the relocation of ineligible residents — those not qualifying for free housing within the Dharavi area.
To accommodate these residents, six major land parcels across Mumbai have been identified for rental housing. Spread across various suburbs, these locations are part of a wider strategy to ensure every Dharavi inhabitant is accounted for — either through in-situ rehabilitation or external resettlement.
Background: What the Dharavi Redevelopment Involves
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is spearheaded by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) — Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL) — formed through a joint venture between Adani Properties Private Limited (APPL) and the Maharashtra government’s Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). APPL holds an 80% stake, while SRA retains 20%.
The project covers the Dharavi Notified Area (DNA), approximately 253.7 hectares, and aims to provide 350 sq ft units — a notable increase from the 300 sq ft units typically offered in other slum rehabilitation schemes.
While eligible residents will be housed free of cost within the redeveloped Dharavi area, ineligible residents will be resettled under a rental hire-purchase model outside Dharavi but within Mumbai or its metropolitan region.
Six Identified Relocation Sites for Ineligible Residents
Below are the six designated areas where ineligible tenants will be provided affordable rental housing:
1. Mother Dairy Land, Kurla
- Land Area: 21 acres
- Distance from Dharavi: 15 km
- Status: Possession taken (Feb 2025)
2. Salt Pan Land, Mulund
- Land Area: 58 acres (42 acres possession completed)
- Distance from Dharavi: 22 km
- Status: Partial possession (April 2025)
3. Deonar Dumping Ground
- Land Area: 124 acres
- Distance from Dharavi: 12 km
- Status: Possession pending
4. Aksa Beach Area, Malad
- Land Area: 140 acres
- Distance from Dharavi: 25+ km
- Status: Possession pending
5. Arthur Salt Work Land, Kanjurmarg
- Land Area: 120 acres
- Distance from Dharavi: 20 km
- Status: Possession pending
6. Jenkins Salt Work Land, Off Eastern Express Highway
- Land Area: 76 acres
- Distance from Dharavi: 20 km
- Status: Possession pending
Quick Summary Table
| Location | Area (Acres) | Distance from Dharavi (km) | Possession Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kurla (Mother Dairy Land) | 21 | 15 | Possession taken (Feb 2025) |
| Mulund (Salt Pan) | 58 (42 acquired) | 22 | Partial possession (Apr 2025) |
| Deonar Dumping Ground | 124 | 12 | Possession pending |
| Malad (Near Aksa Beach) | 140 | 25+ | Possession pending |
| Kanjurmarg (Arthur Salt Works) | 120 | 20 | Possession pending |
| Eastern Express Hwy (Jenkins Land) | 76 | 20 | Possession pending |
| Total | 539 acres |
Official Comments
“Those who are eligible will get a house free of cost (post-redevelopment) right inside Dharavi,” said SRV Srinivas, CEO of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
“Those who are not eligible will get a house inside Mumbai or inside Mumbai Metropolitan Region on a rental basis. They can also purchase the house at a higher price and become the owner.”
FAQs
1. Who qualifies for free housing under the Dharavi redevelopment?
Residents declared “eligible” through the official survey process will receive a 350 sq ft rehabilitation unit free of cost within the Dharavi redevelopment area.
2. What happens to residents who are ineligible?
Ineligible residents will be offered rental housing outside Dharavi in designated locations. They also have the option to purchase the housing unit later.
3. Why are ineligible residents not allowed to stay in Dharavi?
The policy mandates in-situ rehabilitation only for eligible residents. This helps manage land use efficiently and ensure fair distribution of redevelopment benefits.
4. Can ineligible residents eventually own the houses they’re relocated to?
Yes. They will initially live under a hire-purchase model and may later buy the house at a higher price to become homeowners.
5. When will relocation begin?
Relocation timelines will align with possession and construction schedules. Some land parcels, like those in Kurla and Mulund, are already in possession and may be prioritized.