Upper-floor residents to be Included in New Dharavi Rehabilitation Scheme

In a first-time move under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has introduced a policy to include residents of upper-floor tenements, making it the most inclusive and human-centred redevelopment plan in Maharashtra, officials said.

Traditionally, upper-floor tenements in slums have been deemed illegal and excluded from rehabilitation projects, causing outright displacement of residents who often had no alternatives. Many were forced to move into other slums, creating new illegal structures and perpetuating a cycle of displacement.

To address this issue and work towards a slum-free Mumbai, the state government has implemented a strategy under the DRP to ensure housing provisions for those living in upper-floor dwellings.

According to a Government Resolution (GR) issued on 4 October 2024, all upper-floor tenement holders in Dharavi as of 15 November 2022 are eligible for rehabilitation under a hire-purchase scheme.

Under this scheme, eligible residents will be offered a 300 sq ft home in Mumbai, but outside Dharavi, at a nominal rent for 25 years, after which they will gain ownership. The policy also allows them to make a lump-sum payment at any time within the 25-year period to secure the title. The rent and purchase amount will be determined and collected by the DRP or the state government.

The GR specifies that only upper-floor residents providing documents such as electricity bills, registered sale or rental agreements, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, passports indicating the floor, or an affidavit certified by the eligible ground-floor resident will qualify for the scheme.

“Under the hire-purchase scheme, Dharavikars will move into modern housing with essential amenities, including private toilets and kitchens, ensuring dignity, privacy, and a better quality of life,” said a DRP-SRA official.

The buildings will be maintained by the developer for 10 years after rehabilitation, reducing financial burdens on residents. Additionally, 10 per cent of the built-up area will be developed commercially, creating a permanent income source for the housing societies. The modern township will feature wide roads, green spaces, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and areas for sports and recreation.

By including upper-floor tenements, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project has set a precedent for inclusive urban renewal.

“This initiative not only improves living standards but also offers residents a sense of ownership and pride, marking a new chapter in Mumbai’s efforts towards slum rehabilitation,” the DRP-SRA official added.

Thousands of families who have lived in precarious conditions for years will now have access to stable, affordable housing and a dignified future.

Dharavi is a sprawling slum located centrally in Mumbai, near one of India’s most affluent business districts, the Bandra-Kurla Complex. Considered one of Asia’s largest slums, it is home to an informal leather and pottery industry that employs over 100,000 people.