The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has gained approval from the Maharashtra state cabinet to use government-owned land in Malad's Aksa and Malvani villages. These areas will provide 140 acres of land for constructing homes for project-affected people (PAP). The state plans to recover the full market value of this land. The decision was approved by the cabinet on Thursday, October 10.
Affordable rental homes will be built on this land for those Dharavi residents who are not eligible for free housing. The process for determining the number of illegal slum dwellers is underway. Once it is done, DRP will then request the required land from the Mumbai suburbs collector. The land acquisition process will be carried out under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Act and other state government policies.
In addition to the DRP, the Aditya Birla group has been granted 55 acres of land from the same Malad parcel. The group plans to develop a private music academy, a hospital, a housing society for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and facilities for the Swami Narayan Trust. The MLAs had earlier been allotted plots in Versova, but due to Coastal Regulation Zone restrictions, development was not allowed.
Interestingly, most of the Madh Island has been classified as a No-Development Zone (NDZ) due to its proximity to the coastline. It also houses an Air Force base. Despite this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) approved controlled development in the area earlier this year.
Last week, the state government allocated 255 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai for the rehabilitation of slum residents affected by the Dharavi project. This includes land in Mulund (58.5 acres), Bhandup (76.5 acres), and Kanjurmarg (120.5 acres).
Additionally, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has been allocated 502 hectares of land in Dapchari village, located in Palghar district’s Dahanu area. This site is intended for industrial development. It is located near the proposed Murbe port and the upcoming Vadhavan port.
However, Tukaram Mundhe, a former secretary in the state dairy development department, has raised objections, citing concerns about the environmental impact, particularly the loss of green cover.
Further, efforts are being made to provide housing for workers living in the government colony in Bandra. A high-level committee, led by Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, will oversee the allocation of land for this purpose.
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