The Dharavi redevelopment project has sought a slew of exemptions from the Maharashtra government — including GST and other waivers, sub-leasing rights and use of fungible FSI. The ambitious plan will build on existing characteristics of Dharavi to create a world-class district for locals and ‘reimagine a new heart for Mumbai’. These issues were flagged during a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis last week that also saw the project master plan being cleared.
The redevelopment of Dharavi, a vast slum sprawl in the heart of Mumbai, will be carried out through a special purpose vehicle set up through a joint venture between the Adani Group and Maharashtra government. The master plan was approved following a review meeting attended by the Maharashtra CM and senior officials but certain aspects of the project remain in limbo. Several issues awaiting clearance were also flagged by the Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited during the high-level meeting on Wednesday. These pending approvals are required to required to unlock land, complete legal formalities, reduce upfront costs, and proceed with housing and infrastructure components of the plan.
According to an Indian Express report citing the NMDPL, these include land transfers, waivers on tax and staircase/open space premium. The project has also sought regulatory relaxations that would help carry out the redevelopment, rehabilitate slum dwellers and utilise the land parcels — including Kurla Dairy land, Jamasp Salt Pan in Mulund, Aksa and Malvani, Deonar, and Arthur & Jenkins Salt Works — that have been allocated for rehabilitation of ineligible residents of Dharavi.
The redevelopment master plan envisages the construction of 58,532 residential units and 13,468 commercial and industrial units on 116.6 acres of the existing Dharavi area for the rehabilitation of eligible residents. The NMDPL will utilise around 541 acres of land allotted to it across the city (outside of Dharavi) for construction of rental housing for ineligible residents. Another 118.4 acres inside Dharavi (of the gross area of 620 acres) has been earmarked for commercial development.
