Why Adani should redevelop Dharavi? | EXCLUSIVE
India’s most famous slum, Dharavi, is home to over one million people and covers an area of 2.1 sq. kms.
The Adani Group is one of India’s largest conglomerates, with interests in infrastructure, energy, and logistics.
Reports suggest that the Adani Group is considering a proposal to redevelop Dharavi. What are the possibilities of Adani redeveloping India’s most famous slum? Is Adani’s plan to redevelop India’s most famous slum feasible?
That’s the question on everyone’s mind as Adani Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, sets its sights on redeveloping Dharavi – India’s most famous slum.
Located in the heart of Mumbai, Dharavi is a hive of activity, famously portrayed in the film Slumdog Millionaire. Home to an estimated one million people, it is the largest slum in Asia and the second-largest in the world.
Adani Group has proposed a massive redevelopment project that would transform the area, intending to improve the quality of life of its residents. The project includes the construction of new homes, healthcare centers, and civic infrastructure, as well as the establishment of business parks and other commercial facilities.
In an interaction with Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, he spoke about Dharavi’s redevelopment by Adani, and according to him, he sees a positive element in terms of growth and the city’s development. He said, “Adani has undertaken a significant initiative for Dharavi, involving the resettlement and housing of over 60,000 families. This initiative holds promising prospects for industrial and urban development, thereby contributing positively to the overall progress of the city.”
However, the proposal has sparked concerns among Dharavi’s residents, who fear displacement and loss of livelihoods. Dharavi’s thriving informal economy is estimated to be worth over $1 billion.
The Adani Group’s proposal involves the construction of high-rise buildings, commercial spaces, and public amenities. The redevelopment plan aims to transform Dharavi into a modern, sustainable, and livable neighborhood.
The future of Dharavi remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: any redevelopment plan must prioritize the needs and aspirations of its residents. At the end of the day, it’s up to the people of India to decide if they think the project is worth it. It is essential that all stakeholders, including the residents of Dharavi, are consulted and their voices heard before any further decisions are taken. Only then can we determine whether Adani’s proposed redevelopment project is the right way forward for India’s most famous slum.
