The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) will include the restoration of the Mithi River and the construction of a 3.3-kilometre public riverfront promenade. The redevelopment will also focus on creating a large green-blue network with parks, tree-lined corridors and public spaces across Dharavi.
As per Adani Navbharat Developers Private Limited (ANDPL), the special purpose vehicle behind the project, the proposed green-blue network will improve the urban environment by improving air quality, urban temperatures, biodiversity and access to open public spaces.
The restoration of the Mithi River will be a part of this green network. The redevelopment plan will connect the river with a continuous system of parks, tree-lined walkways and public spaces. This includes Central Park, several neighbourhood parks and a 15-metre-wide Green Spine for pedestrians and cyclists.
The riverfront will be lined with trees and pollution-absorbing vegetation. Permeable paving and bioswales have also been proposed. This will improve stormwater management, groundwater recharge and the long-term health of the river ecosystem.
One key feature of the project is a proposed 3.3-kilometre public riverfront promenade that will stretch from the Matunga culvert to the Mithi waterfront. The promenade will remain open to the public and will include viewing decks, cultural spaces and a cafe while preserving the river.
The redevelopment project also includes a major tree plantation programme. Officials informed the Tree Authority that around 40,000 trees in Dharavi will be regenerated and planted in phases. This is nearly five times the number of trees originally proposed to be removed for the redevelopment.
Since enough land is not available within the limits of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), compensatory plantations will be carried out in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Officials said around two lakh compensatory trees will be planted across the region. Of these, 30,000 trees have already been planted at Chahade village in Palghar. 75,000 trees will be planted during the current monsoon season in Palghar tehsil.
Environmental consultancy Terracon has been appointed to execute and manage the plantation programme. The agency will be responsible for scientific plantation, irrigation, protection and maintenance of the trees for five years. It will also submit timely survival reports. ANDPL will bear the cost for it.