Opposition plotting to delay Dharavi Redevelopment Project: Shiv Sena MP Shewale

The Shiv Sena (Shinde) leader, however, stated that the Eknath Shinde-led state government was determined to launch the Dharavi Redevelopment Project soon.

Notably, on February 5, the state cabinet gave its nod to a proposal to seek 283 acre of Mumbai saltpan land from the Centre for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. The saltpan land is spread across Kanjurmarg, Wadala, and Bhandup.

The said land would be handed over to Adani Realty for building a rental housing scheme for “ineligible” slum dwellers from Dharavi.

Opposition parties and environmentalists have alleged that any construction on the saltpan land may harm the environment.

“However, according to the Mumbai Development Plan 2034 (DP) approved in 2018, this site of Saltpan is not environmentally sensitive and permissions have already been given for construction on it. An affordable housing project is also being implemented on that land on behalf of the state government. The main thing is that this development plan was approved in 2018 i.e. during the then Shiv Sena-BJP government. So why did those who are opposing it now, did not oppose it then? Or is this protest going on only to delay the Dharavi Redevelopment Project? The decision to build affordable houses on the saltpan land or the demand for the land having mangroves for Metro car shed was also made during the tenure of Uddhav Thackeray. Also, the area where Matoshree was built was mangrove and swamp. The environment was not considered then. Uddhav Thackeray is spreading misinformation only to oppose the Dharavi Redevelopment Project,” Shewale said.

“All these Saltpan lands are on the western side of the Eastern Expressway and there are no CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) restrictions, wetlands, or mangrove forest in this area. Also, the central government customs department has its office and staff colony on the saltpan site at Wadala. Therefore, there is no truth in the allegation regarding the environment,” he further said, adding that the survey of houses in Dharavi will start soon.

Shewale said the survey will help them gather accurate information about the residents and the houses, and the redevelopment process can be speeded up.

The Lok Sabha MP also wrote to CM Shinde demanding that a socio-economic survey of Dharavi residents be carried out.

“The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is the largest… redevelopment project in the country. The aim of this project is not only to take Dharavi residents from slums to proper houses but also to ensure comprehensive development of every aspect of Dharavi. Therefore, I have requested Chief Minister Eknath Shinde that a socio-economic survey should also be conducted in Dharavi. Based on the information obtained, it will be possible to provide other opportunities…” Shewale said.