Dharavi redevelopment ©TheForumofYoungGlobalLeaders2011flic.kr/p/aW97tx

Dharavi in Mumbai is one of the largest slums in the world Dharavi in Mumbai is one of the largest slums in the world. It was made famous by the film, Slumdog Millionaire. The slum has a population of between 700,000 and 1 million people and currently covers an area of approximately 200 hectares or 2km2. Since 1997, there have been several plans to redevelop Dharavi. The slum is next to three railway lines and several major roads making it easily accessible to nearby Mumbai city centre and the rest of India. Private developers are keen to develop the area. In 2010, it was estimated the redevelopment would cost at least US$2.2 billion.

Latest news (May 2016) Key points The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is in charge of redeveloping Sector 5, the easiest of Dharavi’s five sectors. The other four sectors are to be revamped with private developers (a public-private partnership). 255 families from the neighbouring Shatabdi Nagar slum have recently been re-housed in new, 27 m2 homes (an 18 storey building with 358 flats in total). Each new home costs about £25,000 to build.

Latest news (May 2016) Only 266 out of the 504 families that MHADA surveyed from the slum sprawl earmarked were found to be eligible for free housing under the Dharavi redevelopment scheme! Another 140 families have appealed against MHADA’s decision of declaring them ineligible. Of the 266, only 255 could take possession of their houses as seven were absent, two are dead and another two had not completed formalities. The families who have taken possession are expected to hand over their shanties to MHADA within three days. MHADA also arranged for vehicles to shift their belongings to the new building.

Latest news (May 2016) MAHDA intends to demolish the entire slum and clear space for a new high-rise, giving all ineligible residents hope that the authority will give them a free, 27 m2 house in Dharavi if they are considered eligible after their appeal. So far, less than 0.5% of Dharavi’s residents have been rehoused in bright, new homes. The state government wishes to rehabilitate Asia’s largest slum with well-planned buildings, wide roads and open spaces.