Dharavi Renovation: Over 75% of Tenants Meet Criteria for New Housing Units
In a significant development, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) in Mumbai has recently released the first eligibility list for residents on July 2, 2025. Over 75% of the tenement holders in Sector 6 (Meghwadi and Ganesh Nagar) have qualified for new homes under the redevelopment scheme.
Out of a total of 505 tenements, 229 have been declared eligible, 70 are pending additional documentation, 137 await verification by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and 31 have not yet submitted documents. Additionally, 38 tenements are classified as amenity structures.
The DRP aims to rehabilitate approximately 8.5 lakh families, with about 5 lakh eligible families being rehabilitated within Dharavi itself. The remaining families will be accommodated in additional land in Kurla.
For residential units, the eligibility criteria are clear. Residents settled before January 1, 2000, are entitled to a 350 sq ft flat within Dharavi. Those who moved in between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2011, will receive 300 sq ft units at alternative sites outside Dharavi. Residents unable to submit valid documentary proof will not qualify until verification is complete.
CEO of the DRP, SVR Srinivas, has assured that every resident will receive a house, either inside or outside Dharavi, based on their eligibility status. This inclusive approach makes the DRP one of the most comprehensive redevelopment projects in the city's Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) history.
For commercial units, eligible commercial units will get free in-situ spaces inside Dharavi. A proposal has been made to the government to allow ineligible commercial units to operate on a rental basis within Dharavi by utilizing the 10% commercial space reserved in every society, ensuring livelihood continuity for all commercial stakeholders.
The DRP has begun releasing the Draft Annexure-II in phases. Residents are invited to submit their suggestions or objections regarding the Draft Annexure II by July 5, 5.30 PM. The Draft Annexure-II data shows that 170 tenements, including residential, commercial, and residential/commercial, have met the eligibility criteria for new homes.
Under the DRP, all residents, including those who were previously excluded under other SRA schemes, will be provided with new homes outside Dharavi within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The project also includes significant commercial and residential components, with around 43% of the total 108.99 hectares earmarked for free sale in the open market, indicating a mixed-use development approach that includes market-driven elements.
In conclusion, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is progressing to ensure housing for all current residents and preserving livelihoods, with clear eligibility criteria and inclusive policies for both residential and commercial units within the redevelopment framework. Submissions can be made to the DRP office or by email to [email protected].
- The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) historic redevelopment plan is attracting diverse opinions from residents, with some expressing concern about the eligibility criteria for new homes, especially those who moved in between 2000 and 2011.
- As the DRP moves forward in process, the latest news indicates that 170 out of a total tenement count have met the eligibility criteria for new homes, which includes residential, commercial, and residential/commercial units.
- With the aim of making the Dharavi Redevelopment Project one of the most comprehensive in the city's history, the DRP has interestingly proposed investing in commercial sectors by allowing ineligible commercial units to operate within Dharavi on a rental basis, ensuring the continuity of livelihoods while capitalizing on the 10% commercial space reserved in every society.
