Dharavi Project: Drone Survey To Serve As Benchmark To Identify Illegal Constructions

Illegal constructions in Dharavi will be flagged and may not qualify for redevelopment benefits under the Dharavi redevelopment scheme. A 2023 drone survey will serve as the benchmark to identify tenements and vacant land in the Dharavi Notified Area. Any new structures or extensions built after this survey will be classified as illegal.

“Coordinated action will be taken by DRP and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. If needed, DRP will consider seriously the possibility of debarring such tenements from rehabilitation package and benefits thereof,” said Dharavi Redevelopment Project CEO SVR Srinivas.

After decades of failed attempts, the long-awaited redevelopment of Asia's largest slum has finally begun. However, unauthorised constructions—driven by some residents and the land mafia—have led to unchecked encroachments and worsening living conditions.

In 2019, the BMC carried out a major demolition drive in Dharavi. At the time, G-North Ward Assistant Municipal Commissioner Kiran Dighavkar had called unauthorised construction a “recurring problem” and said, “We will identify them as mafia who aid in illegal construction and the police will take action against them under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act.”

However, Dharavikars are eager to get on with the redevelopment and are rooting for progress. “Illegal structures have made life unbearable, but proper redevelopment like this will bring order and improve our living conditions,” said one resident.

Under the current tender:

• Ground floor residents settled before Jan. 1, 2000, will get 350 square ft homes within Dharavi, free of cost.

• Those who moved in between Jan. 1, 2000, and Jan. 1, 2011, will receive 300 sq ft homes outside Dharavi under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana at Rs 2.5 lakh.

• Upper floor residents and ground floor tenements built between Jan. 1, 2011, and Nov. 15, 2022, will be offered rental housing with a hire-purchase option.

• Townships for ineligible residents will be built within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

“The government's door-to-door survey, which recently crossed 50,000 tenements, marks a significant step in identifying eligible beneficiaries and ensuring a planned rehabilitation for all Dharavikars. The project's numbers are visible now and it gives us hope,” the resident added.