News Highlight:
The Bombay High Court Monday asked the Dharavi redevelopment project authority if the area covered under Mahim Nature Park, which is a protected forest, will be included in the slum redevelopment project.
Key Takeaway:
- Mahim Nature Park is a protected forest under the Indian Forest Act, of 1927.
- The Adani Group won the bid for the much-awaited Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
- The makeover of Asia’s biggest slum cluster will be undertaken by Adani Realty, the real estate wing of Adani Group.
Dharavi Redevelopment Project:
- About:
- Dharavi Redevelopment Project is the makeover of Mumbai’s slum cluster, Dharavi.
- This is the fourth time in the last 18 years that the Maharashtra government is attempting to rebuild Asia’s largest slum cluster which is home to close to 58,000 families and around 12,000 commercial establishments.
- The State government would create 22 lakh affordable houses to cater to the urban and rural areas in Maharashtra.
- It entails resettling 68,000 people, including slum dwellers and those with commercial establishments.
- The rehabilitation construction cost is estimated at 23,000 crores.
- Aim:
- The project includes the development of necessary on-site and off-site infrastructure, including water supply, sewage disposal, electricity supply, and piped gas system within seven years from the date of a commencement certificate for the first phase.
- Special purpose vehicle (SPV):
- A special purpose vehicle (SPV) is to be formed, with Adani as the lead partner.
- Adani will hold 80% equity in the SPV while the state government will hold 20%.
About Dharavi:
- Dharavi, infamous as one of the world’s largest slums, is located in the heart of India’s financial capital – Mumbai.
- A city within a city is one unending stretch of narrow dirty lanes, open sewers and cramped huts.
- It is spread over 300 hectares, of which the state government has notified 240 hectares for the project.
- The Dharavi slum came into being in 1884. It was originally inhabited by fisherfolk when the area was still creeks and swamps.
- It became attractive to migrant workers from South Mumbai and others when the swamp began to fill in due to natural and artificial causes.
- The area grew as poor rural Indians migrated to urban Mumbai.
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Content Source: The Indian Express