Gautam Adani’s Adani Group embarks on revitalizing Dharavi, Mumbai’s expansive slum, following a secured government contract in 2022. The conglomerate plans a comprehensive survey of the 600-acre area starting March, with a goal to complete the project within seven years.
As one of India’s wealthiest businessmen with ties to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Adani envisions Dharavi as a modern hub supporting existing small industries. Despite cinematic fame in “Slumdog Millionaire,” the $3 billion project faces enduring political opposition and legal hurdles.
In a recent statement, Adani pledges 350-square-foot flats to eligible residents post-completion, with ineligible residents relocated citywide. Community concerns and sparse details raise fears about housing quality and potential displacement from Mumbai’s center.
Adani’s team acknowledges the need for resident trust, anticipating protests during the survey to determine eligibility for new spaces. Survey results will shape Adani’s master plan, crucial for a project initially slated for a December deadline, now aiming for a March submission to local authorities.
The master plan reveals that ineligible residents may receive spaces within a 6 to 7.5-mile radius, pending land acquisition. Collaborating with firms like Genesys International Ltd., Buro Happold Ltd., and Sasaki Associates Inc., Adani assembles a diverse team for the complex endeavor.
As Dharavi’s transformation unfolds, the controversial redevelopment project remains under scrutiny. Adani Group, Buro Happold, and Sasaki declined comment, highlighting the project’s sensitivity.
