by Deepak Sawant 
The Maharashtra state government has officially approved the Dharavi Redevelopment Plan Gets State Approval Project, one of the largest urban transformation projects in Mumbai. This approval includes not just the redevelopment of Dharavi itself, but also the relocation of thousands of residents who are deemed ineligible to receive housing on the Dharavi plot due to missing documentation or other criteria.
85,000 Families to Be Relocated
According to the official plan, around 85,000 ineligible Dharavi residents will be relocated to different parts of Mumbai. These locations include Kurla, Mulund, and Kanjurmarg. Currently, much attention is focused on Kurla East, where a large portion of this relocation will take place.
In Kurla’s Nehru Nagar, a 21-acre plot of land previously used by Mother Dairy has been handed over by the state cabinet to the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created to execute the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. This SPV is responsible for planning, constructing, and relocating affected residents.
What’s Happening in Kurla?
The 21-acre dairy land in Kurla East, located near Nehru Nagar, will now be used to house some of the 85,000 residents being relocated from Dharavi. The government estimates that thousands of new housing units will be built on this plot.
However, local residents in Kurla are not happy with this development. They have raised concerns about the lack of infrastructure, green spaces, and basic amenities in the area. According to them, Nehru Nagar is already overcrowded, and bringing in thousands of new residents will only make the situation worse.
Local Residents Wanted a Garden, Not More Buildings
Speaking to local reporters, residents of Nehru Nagar shared their frustration. For years, they have been demanding that the dairy land be turned into a public garden or recreational area. Some even suggested creating a botanical garden or sports complex. They argue that Nehru Nagar lacks open spaces where people can relax and breathe fresh air.
Their demands were initially supported by local political leaders, including the area’s MLA. However, things took a turn when, during the 2023 Nagpur Legislative Assembly session, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde suggested creating a “Mini BKC” (Bandra-Kurla Complex) on the same land. This idea was also opposed by residents, who insisted on green development instead.
Despite this public opposition, the state government moved forward with its plan to use the land for housing Dharavi residents.
Overcrowding and Infrastructure Worries
Nehru Nagar already faces major challenges. Before the current development wave, the area had about 155 buildings. Now, that number has grown to over 180 buildings, each housing approximately 100 families. That’s around 18,000 new residents, even before the Dharavi relocation begins.
With the expected arrival of thousands more, locals are worried. “It’s like creating another Dharavi inside Kurla,” said one long-time resident. “The old Dharavi was made of slums; the new one will be made of buildings, but the problems will be the same—traffic, pollution, no open spaces, and poor infrastructure.”
Real Estate Controversy
There’s also criticism over how the land has been handed over to the SPV. According to reports, the 21-acre plot was transferred for just ₹58 crore. Local political figures and activists have questioned this valuation, pointing out that land prices in Mumbai are among the highest in the country.
Some say that if private developers had been allowed to build here, they could have generated better quality housing and more revenue for the government. “Today, one apartment in this area sells for ₹5 to ₹7 crore. And yet the government has given away this land almost for free,” one local corporator said.
Further, the government has also approved the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) for this land. This means that the construction company, Navi Bharat Construction, can sell the unused development potential to other builders, potentially making a huge profit.
Residents Say: Dharavi Is Being Moved, Not Solved
Many people in Kurla believe that the Dharavi Redevelopment Plan is not solving the slum issue—it’s just moving it elsewhere. “The only difference is that earlier Dharavi had slums. Now, new Dharavis will come up across Mumbai in the form of high-density, low-infrastructure buildings,” one resident said.
This raises important questions: Is this truly redevelopment? Or is it displacement? The goal of urban planning should be to improve quality of life—not just shift people from one congested area to another.
Health and Lifestyle Concerns
One of the biggest concerns for Nehru Nagar locals is health and lifestyle. Without open parks, playgrounds, or breathing spaces, residents fear that life will become more stressful and unhealthy.
“People will be forced to leave Mumbai during vacations just to get some fresh air,” another resident added. “There’s no space left here to even walk peacefully.”
Many argue that the government should have split the relocation across more areas or created vertical housing with enough amenities and green spaces.
Government’s View
From the state’s perspective, the Dharavi Redevelopment Plan is a necessary and ambitious project aimed at improving living conditions for tens of thousands. The government insists that the plan includes proper housing, sanitation, and community amenities. The use of SPVs and private-public partnerships is intended to ensure that the project stays on track and gets the funding it needs.
Officials have also stated that the decision to relocate some residents outside Dharavi was made after careful consideration, given the limited space in the area.
What’s Next?
As of now, construction is expected to begin soon on the 21-acre plot in Kurla. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is a long-term effort and will likely take several years to complete.
In the meantime, local residents, activists, and political leaders are continuing to demand a more balanced approach. They want development, but not at the cost of their own well-being.
Conclusion
The Dharavi Redevelopment Plan is a bold step towards transforming one of Asia’s largest slums. However, the way it is being implemented—especially in areas like Kurla—raises serious questions about transparency, urban planning, and long-term sustainability.
If the government truly wants to build a better Mumbai, it must listen to local communities, invest in infrastructure, and create livable environments for all—not just for those being relocated, but for those already living there.
