Dharavi Redevelopment Project: A Community's Call to Action

As the survey phase of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) wraps up, a notable surge of residents has been reaching out to the project's toll-free hotline. Officials report that out of 700 inquiries in the last month, approximately 41% were related to the completion of door-to-door eligibility surveys.

This uptick underscores the anxiety among Dharavi residents about potentially missing out on the redevelopment scheme's benefits. The helpline, having logged 300 such calls over the past 30 days, remains a crucial communication channel for addressing residents' concerns and queries.

The DRP is hailed as one of the largest and most inclusive urban renewal projects globally, designed to revitalize the lives of over 10 lakh residents without disrupting the area's unique social and economic ecosystem. Despite some initial resistance, communities like Kumbharwada have begun engaging with the survey process, reflecting the growing urgency residents feel.

Project officials emphasize their commitment to maintaining an open dialogue, evidenced by the residents' increasing engagement through the helpline. They assure that this initiative prioritizes transparency and community involvement in its mission to provide housing for all.

Recent inquiries to the helpline have varied, covering topics such as document requirements for eligibility verification, timelines for new housing allocation, and specifics about housing units. The master plan approved in May aims to repurpose Dharavi into a world-class district, factoring in accessible social services and enhancing residents' quality of life.

Plans for the locality include landscaped public spaces and a comprehensive road network to bind the community together, ensuring residents can easily access essential services like education and healthcare. This ambitious redevelopment aims to redefine the living and working conditions for Dharavikars, fostering a quality of life comparable to global urban standards. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)