The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ignited a fresh wave of debate in Mumbai’s ongoing Dharavi redevelopment saga. The civic body has offered to allocate five acres of land from the 18-acre Mulund octroi naka land parcel to the project. This proposal comes despite facing resistance from a section of political leaders who vehemently oppose the relocation of residents from Dharavi to Mulund.
Dharavi spread across 600 hectares in the heart of Mumbai, is one of Asia’s largest slums. The redevelopment project aims to transform this densely populated area into a modern, planned township with improved living conditions for its estimated one million residents. However, the relocation of residents and the allocation of land for resettlement have been contentious issues.
The news of the BMC offering five acres of land has sparked debate on the feasibility and practicality of resettling Dharavi residents in Mulund, a geographically distinct eastern suburb. Proponents of the plan believe it offers a viable solution for rehabilitation, while opponents argue that the infrastructure in Mulund might not be able to sufficiently accommodate such a large influx of people.
This development comes amidst ongoing discussions about the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. The project itself has been in the pipeline for several years, facing delays due to complexities surrounding land acquisition, resident resettlement, and financial viability. The allocation of the Mulund land parcel, while a potential step forward, is likely to add another layer to the already intricate debate surrounding Dharavi’s redevelopment.
