Dharavi: Govt issues detailed notification

The detailed notification that has been issued now says hutments,chawls,commercial establishments and cessed buildings in the 535-acre shanty town will be redeveloped using an FSI of four through “the developer to be appointed by following competitive bidding process or through public authority”.

In case of hutments,all slumdwellers living in structures prior to 2000 will be eligible for self-contained 300 sq ft one bedroom apartments with balcony. Those living in much larger shanties at present will be eligible for a maximum 400 sq ft house where the extra 100 sq ft will have to be purchased at the construction cost. “Only the occupant and not the owner of the shanty will have a right to a new house,” said a senior state government official.

As for cessed structures and chawls that lie within Dharavi,those staying in homes up to 750 sq ft would get an equivalent area free of cost. Those living in bigger houses will have to pay for the additional area. Similarly,in case of commercial structures that are home to various industries,such as pottery,the maximum area available free of cost would be only 225 sq ft; those working out of bigger areas currently will have to pay for additional built-up.

The potters of Kumbharwada would also be provided with a 2,230 sq m common work space. In addition to the rehabilitation and sale component,each of the five sectors will have provision for schools,dispensaries,gymnasiums,welfare centres,library,markets and police chowkies.

The DRP was first given the nod in 2004. Developers,who are awarded the project for relocating the 60,000 families to highrise apartments,were to make profit by constructing apartments using the incentive FSI. While 19 bidders were initially keen to be a part of the project,the 2009 downturn brought the number down to seven. Officials said to start with now MHADA will take up redevelopment of the 23-hectare Sector 5 on its own.

“The redevelopment of other four sectors will be carried out either by MHADA or private developers selected through fresh bids. We have made provisions for deemed permissions to avoid procedural delays,” said the official.

For instance,the notification states that no-objection certificate in case of construction on public land should be issued within 30 days,building permission should be given within 60 days of submission of details and in case of transit tenements within 15 days. If authorities fail to meet the deadlines,the permission would be deemed to have been granted. Officials added that important details such as minimum bid price that is to be charged on the developers taking up the project are yet to be decided. However,the notification does require developers to deposit Rs 20,000 per house by way of corpus for maintenance of the property.