Maharashtra: Dharavi redevelopment plan faces opposition

The project faces opposition as residents have raised concerns over the survival of small-scale manufacturing and industrial units in Dharavi. Read further on Dynamite News:

Mumbai: Many eligible beneficiaries of Dharavi Redevelopment Plan (DRP), a joint venture between the Adani group and the state government to redevelop Asia’s largest slum cluster, are unhappy after its master plan got an administrative approval.

Dharavi to home to nearly 60,000 families.

The project faces opposition as residents have raised concerns over the survival of small-scale manufacturing and industrial units in Dharavi.

“Citizens should be told where they will be rehabilitated. Objections/suggestions should be taken from the people, which has not been done. Therefore, it is not clear where they will be rehabilitated,” said lawyer-activist Sagar Devre.

Anurag Kamble runs a small workshop at Dharvi. He said there has been no clarity on the rehabilitation of the industry owner and the plan was not discussed before approval with the people who will be rehabilitated.

A resident Shibu Kumar, however, said he is very happy that the master plan of DRP was approved by the state government. "My dream to own a flat will be fulfilled," he said.

The master plan for the Dharavi project was approved by the Maharashtra government on Wednesday during a review meeting which was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and senior officials.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, eligible beneficiaries should be given space in the redeveloped area, and the concept of rehabilitation should preserve the basic commercial identity of Dharavi. For this, the relevant agencies should carry out development work by taking the local people into confidence, he said.

Everyone who is the original resident of this place should be given a house. Everyone should get justice... though criteria will be different," said Fadnavis, in a statement.

Weather in Mumbai

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a red alert for rains in Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. "Extremely heavy rains" have been predicted, especially in coastal and south interior Karnataka, from Tuesday.

Heavy rains have also been predicted in Konkan and Ghat regions of central Maharashtra.

Monsoon reached Mumbai and Pune on Monday.

Thunderstorms Likely
Thunderstorms with a speed of 50-60 kmph accompanied by lightning and heavy rains are likely on Tuesday.

The Maharashtra government has asked citizens to be alert. Heavy to very heavy rains are likely in North Karnataka between May 27 and 30.

Thunderstorms, lightning and squalls are likely to continue in Tamil Nadu till May-end, said IMD.