Fadnavis-Shinde Government is Leading the Transformation of Mumbai's Iconic Slum into a Modern Hub

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In this special segment, we take an in-depth look at the highly-anticipated Dharavi Redevelopment Project, a transformative initiative led by the Fadnavis-Shinde government. After nearly two decades of delays, political hurdles, and challenges, the project is finally making real progress. From a rich history as a bustling economic hub to the struggles of overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure, Dharavi’s redevelopment promises not just new buildings, but an upliftment of the community and its businesses.       #DharaviRedevelopment #FadnavisShinde #MaharashtraGovernment #MumbaiTransformation #UrbanRenewal #AdaniGroup #Dharavi #MaharashtraPolitics #InfrastructureDevelopment #MumbaiSlums #SustainableCities #UrbanPlanning #MaharashtraNews #SocialImpact #HousingForAll #MaharashtraDevelopment #ShapingMumbai #CityOfDreams #Mumbai2024                 ~HT.97~PR.274~PR.100~GR.124~

Transcript

00:00Hello and welcome to today's special segment on the highly anticipated Dharavi redevelopment

00:05project.

00:06An initiative that promises to reshape one of Mumbai's most iconic neighborhoods.

00:13After nearly two decades of delays, challenges and political shifts, Dharavi's transformation

00:18is finally taking shape under the determined leadership of Fadnavis Shinde's government.

00:25In this episode, we take you through this remarkable journey, highlighting the Mahayati

00:30government's relentless efforts to bring new life to an area that is not only one of the

00:36largest slums in Asia, but also a bustling hub of small industries and vibrant communities.

00:43Let's go back to where it all began.

00:47Dharavi, once a modest fishing village in the late 19th century, grew into a sprawling

00:53settlement as workers and migrants from across India flocked to Mumbai.

00:58Over time, Dharavi evolved into an economic engine for the city, a place where nearly

01:04one million people live, work and thrive amidst extremely challenging conditions.

01:10Yet, for all its contributions to Mumbai, Dharavi's residents still face overcrowded

01:16living spaces, limited access to sanitation and a lack of modern amenities.

01:22For years, the dream of redeveloping Dharavi was met with multiple delays.

01:27The original proposal in 2004 envisioned new housing, modern sanitation and upgraded infrastructure.

01:36But the project hit numerous roadblocks, political changes, financial issues and debates over

01:42property rights kept pushing the project back.

01:45Various governments took their turn, but without a clear, consistent path forward, the vision

01:51stalled time and time again.

01:53Then came 2018, a year when Dharavi's redevelopment looked set to finally gain momentum.

02:00The contract was awarded to Settling Technologies, a Dubai-based company, for a bid of Rs 7,200

02:08crore.

02:09Yet, even under the leadership of Udhav Thackeray government, the project faced fresh challenges

02:16and ultimately the contract was cancelled.

02:19Once again, the people of Dharavi found themselves waiting.

02:24Enter the Fadnavish Shinde government, which from day one made it clear that Dharavi's

02:28redevelopment would be a top priority.

02:31With renewed focus and determination, they initiated a structured bidding process to

02:36attract a financially sound and technically proficient developer.

02:41In 2022, under Devendra Fadnavis' leadership, a restructured bidding process was launched,

02:48setting strict criteria for eligibility.

02:51This was not only a financial decision, but a social commitment to find a developer capable

02:56of handling Dharavi's unique challenges.

02:59And that is when Adani Group stepped in, submitting a competitive bid of Rs 5,069 crore, securing

03:06the contract to drive this transformation.

03:10The partnership between the Maharashtra government and the Adani Group was formalized with the

03:14creation of a special purpose vehicle SPV called Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private

03:20Limited to ensure the project would progress swiftly and smoothly.

03:25In September 2023, the SPV was formally established, involving representatives from both the government

03:33and the Adani Group.

03:34One of the most remarkable steps taken by this government was setting up a master plan

03:41spearheaded by renowned architect, Hafiz contractor and global design firm Sasaki.

03:48Their design prioritizes social infrastructure, hospitals, public spaces and skill development

03:54centers that Dharavi has long needed.

03:57This approach highlights a key aspect of the Fadnavis Shinde government's vision.

04:02They're not just looking to change the way Dharavi looks, but they want to uplift the

04:08community and enhance the quality of life for every resident.

04:132024 has been a crucial year as ground surveys have officially begun, marking the start of

04:20massive undertaking.

04:21Each household in Dharavi has been assigned a unique identifier in the laser-based Lidar

04:28survey, ensuring a transparent and fair process to identify eligible and ineligible residents.

04:36This has brought clarity and a sense of progress, especially with provisions for those who

04:41are deemed ineligible, who will be offered rental housing elsewhere in the Mumbai metropolitan

04:47region.

04:49Despite these strides, opposition parties have continued to criticize the project.

04:54Some argue that the land allocations, such as salt pan lands, could have been reserved

05:00for other purposes.

05:02The Shiv Sena, UBT, has even pledged to cancel the redevelopment if it comes to power, promising

05:08to replace it with an international financial services center.

05:12But the Fadnavis Shinde government has countered this criticism, stressing that their priority

05:18is to improve living conditions for the residents of Dharavi, many of whom have been waiting

05:23for change for generations.

05:25Additionally, the government has brought in stricter regulations for transferable development

05:30rights, ensuring that at least 40% of TDRs used in any Mumbai development must come

05:39from the Dharavi project.

05:41This move, alongside a planned online platform by the MCGM to track TDR transactions, will

05:48promote transparency and prevent the monopolization of development rights.

05:53Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis has emphasized this as a crucial step to keep redevelopment

05:59on track and free of vested interests.

06:03And let us not forget that Dharavi isn't just a residential area.

06:07It's an economic powerhouse with thousands of small businesses.

06:11The Adani Group has pledged 225 square feet of free commercial space to these businesses,

06:18with options for additional space at a cost as well.

06:22This will help preserve Dharavi's vibrant economy while providing it with modern infrastructure.

06:29As we stand on the brink of this transformation, it's clear that the Fadnavis Shinde government

06:34is not only committed to redeveloping Dharavi, but to doing so in a way that preserves its

06:39spirit, supports its people, and integrates it fully into the broader Mumbai landscape.

06:45With this redevelopment, Dharavi is poised to become a symbol of resilience and a model

06:51for sustainable urban renewal.

06:53Thanks for watching.

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