Faced with the storm brewing around the Dharavi slum redevelopment project, the Adani group held firm, vehemently defending the legitimacy of the call for tenders which awarded it this colossal project. Controversy erupted when thousands took to the streets in disagreement against the Rs 23,000-crore initiative, culminating in a march led by Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray from Dharavi to Adani’s office in Mumbai.
Adani Group spokesperson Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL) issued a resolute statement, saying the project was secured through a transparent international tender process during the tenure of the previous Congress coalition government -Shiv Sena, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). ). “The Dharavi project was awarded to the Adani Group through a fair, open and internationally competitive bidding process,” the statement reiterated.
Responding to the outcry over alleged favoritism towards the conglomerate, the spokesperson clarified: « The conditions of the tender were finalized during the tenure of the MVA government and remained unchanged after the award. By Therefore, it is inaccurate to claim special privileges granted to the winner. »
The ambitious redevelopment project aims to transform the world’s largest slum into a modern urban center while relocating its million residents. Adani Group has underlined its commitment to providing all eligible property owners with a comprehensive solution, ensuring that they make a smooth transition to their new home within Dharavi itself.
Project details debunk misinformation
Refuting the misinformation being spread, the spokesperson highlighted the provisions of the draft. Even non-eligible building owners will get accommodation under the rental housing policy, while eligible residential units will get 17 per cent larger area than other projects in Mumbai under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (ARS). Further, the statement emphasizes on transparent management of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) through a dedicated portal monitored by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and the Government of Maharashtra.
Setting the record straight, the statement clarified the 99-year-old lease agreement with Indian Railways and subsequent subleasing strategy for housing societies aligns with standard government practices in Mumbai.
Vision for the transformation of Dharavi
Amid the dissent, the Adani Group reiterated the broader consensus in Mumbai, Maharashtra and India to improve the living conditions, education, healthcare, employment opportunities and essential amenities of residents of Dharavi. They highlighted the importance of the project, which aims to succeed where previous attempts have failed.
Uddhav Thackeray’s challenge
The protest, led by Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray, underlined its stand against any biased decisions favoring builders under the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Thackeray challenged the ruling BJP to highlight such decisions taken under its leadership.
As controversy rages around the redevelopment project, both sides remain entrenched, intensifying the debate over the future of Dharavi and its residents.
