Mumbai: The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has completed the survey of over 25,000 tenements out of a total of 60,000 despite challenges posed by two elections and a prolonged monsoon. Officials said that the survey holds monumental significance, and is the single most critical step towards a swift and successful execution of this ambitious plan, which aims to transform Dharavi into a modern, liveable community while ensuring that no resident is displaced.

Officials added that a project of this scale and magnitude cannot move forward without an accurate and comprehensive survey. As per project representatives, “The survey is a complex operation requiring meticulous effort and coordination. It begins with teams conducting land reconnaissance, followed by the organised numbering of tenements. Advanced Lidar mapping technology is then utilised to capture the area’s layout. Once the base map is validated, the most critical phase begins: door-to-door verification. Every tenement is assigned a unique identification code based on a predetermined system.”

Statement Of A Senior Official Of The Project

A senior official of the project said that over 50 dedicated teams are deployed daily across Dharavi’s five sectors and 34 zones. “On an average day, 300 to 400 tenements are numbered, and 200 to 250 homes are verified. Despite major challenges, over 25,000 tenements have been numbered since mid-March this year. This achievement reflects the relentless dedication of the field teams,” the official added.

According to a source within the DRP-SRA, a significant number of tenements still need to be surveyed before the state government can finalise decisions regarding the eligibility and ineligibility of Dharavi’s residents.

“The survey is not just a bureaucratic formality,” said the source. “It is a gateway to better lives for every resident of Dharavi. By cooperating with the teams, Dharavikars can ensure their inclusion in the redevelopment process, which guarantees eligibility for new homes equipped with modern amenities. It is essential for Dharavikars to step forward and actively participate to speed up the survey’s completion.”

Additional Teams To Be Deployed Soon

Additional teams are to be deployed soon to expedite what is undoubtedly Asia’s largest slum survey initiative. The vision of the redevelopment project is to provide Dharavikars with private kitchens, toilets, uninterrupted water and electricity, and a healthier, greener environment. Wider roads, open spaces, modern healthcare facilities, and better infrastructure are all part of this vision, which begins with the survey.

“While obstacles such as political interference and vested interests have repeatedly threatened to delay progress, the collective will of Dharavikars can overcome these challenges. By and large, Dharavi’s residents have cooperated with the survey teams, but we urge even greater cooperation and a more proactive approach. Completing the survey quickly will mark the beginning of a transformative journey,” the source added.

Notably, residents of upper floor structures and those who moved to Dharavi between Jan 1, 2011 and Nov 15, 2022, will be offered rented accommodation with the option of hire-purchase outside the Dharavi Notified Area (DNA). They will be rehabilitated in modern townships featuring open spaces, wide roads, schools, healthcare facilities, public transport access, and other social infrastructure. The state government will determine and collect the rent and hire-purchase costs.