Mumbai – The massive and ambitious Dharavi Redevelopment Project has again found itself at the center of debate. While resistance from a section of slum-dwellers continues to make headlines, the project’s CEO, S V R Srinivas, has provided a key clarification: public consent, though desirable, is not a legal requirement in this particular case.
In an exclusive interview with The Times of India, Srinivas explained that since the developer was appointed directly by the Maharashtra government, and not by a residents' society, the traditional 50% consent clause under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) Act doesn’t apply.
“Under the SRA rules, the building society appoints the developer. For that, 50% consent is required. But here, the government has appointed the developer. In this case, there is no need for consent,” he said.
Dharavi: A City Within a City
Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums, is often described as a city within a city. Home to an estimated 850,000 people, Dharavi’s dense settlement is a hub of economic activity—from leather workshops to pottery, from textiles to recycling. Yet, it remains one of the most underserved parts of Mumbai in terms of infrastructure, sanitation, and housing.
Redevelopment has been proposed for over two decades, but multiple attempts failed to take off—until now.
The current project, led by Nav Bharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd, is seen as the most serious and well-funded attempt yet. This special purpose vehicle (SPV) has the Adani Group holding an 80% stake and the state government holding 20%. The land, meanwhile, remains owned by the Government of Maharashtra and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Consent vs. Participation: A Critical Distinction
According to Srinivas, while critics argue about lack of community consensus, the numbers suggest a very different reality.
So far, around 1 lakh slum-dwellers have already participated in the house-to-house survey meant to assess eligibility for rehabilitation. Only about 20,000 residents remain to be surveyed.
Srinivas made it clear that participation in the survey itself implies consent:
“They have given their documents voluntarily,” he said, noting that documentation from residents is a proactive step indicating readiness to move forward with the rehabilitation process.
If one were to apply the 50% consent rule from standard SRA projects, Srinivas argues, that benchmark has already been crossed—by a significant margin.
Opposition and Concerns: What Are People Worried About?
Despite reassurances, not everyone is on board. Some slum-dwellers and rights groups have raised concerns over the lack of clarity around eligibility, fear of displacement, and questions about compensation and resettlement location.
Critics argue that while some may have submitted documents, they may not fully understand what they’re consenting to. Others fear that the redevelopment could favor real estate interests over the existing community’s social and economic networks.
There’s also anxiety over whether non-eligible residents will be pushed out without adequate rehabilitation. Transparency and communication remain major areas of concern.
What the Government Says
The government has promised a comprehensive rehabilitation package, including:
Free flats of 405 sq. ft. carpet area for eligible residents.
Flats located within Dharavi, not in faraway suburbs.
Modern infrastructure, improved sanitation, and access to healthcare and education.
This is part of a larger vision to transform Dharavi into a modern urban neighborhood while preserving its economic ecosystem. The government has stressed that no one will be evicted forcibly and that the transition will be gradual, planned, and inclusive.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Project Matters
The Dharavi redevelopment is not just about housing—it’s a test case for urban renewal in India’s most populated cities.
If successful, it could:
Improve living standards for nearly a million people.
Generate employment through infrastructure and construction.
Boost local economies by preserving Dharavi’s small-scale industries.
Enhance Mumbai’s global image as a city that cares for all its citizens.
The project also signals a shift in how mega-cities handle slum rehabilitation—moving from fragmented, underfunded efforts to large-scale public-private partnerships.
A Delicate Balancing Act
This project’s success will depend on maintaining public trust, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding the rights of residents—especially the most vulnerable.
While Srinivas’s remarks clarify the legality of the process, the moral responsibility remains high. Large-scale displacement, even when legal, can disrupt communities. It’s critical that the redevelopment not just build new houses, but rebuild lives—with dignity, continuity, and care.
What’s Next?
The next few months will be crucial. As the survey nears completion and eligibility lists are finalized, residents will await concrete offers and detailed plans. Public meetings, outreach, and on-ground awareness campaigns are expected to increase.
Meanwhile, the developers and state agencies must address remaining fears and ensure inclusive communication.
As Srinivas aptly put it, the process may not require consent under the law, but earning people’s trust will determine whether Dharavi’s transformation is truly historic—or just another missed opportunity.
Conclusion: Consent Isn’t Always Legal—It’s Also Emotional
In the end, urban redevelopment isn’t just about infrastructure and land titles. It’s about people, identity, and the right to belong.
While legal frameworks may allow the state to bypass consent in specific situations, the emotional and social contract with the residents must remain intact. Only then can the new Dharavi be a place that truly belongs to those who have built its legacy for generations.
As Mumbai watches closely, Dharavi stands at a crossroads—between past struggle and future promise.
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