Dharavi Dreams: Govt to Provide Homes for Over 1 Lakh Ineligible Slum-Dwellers

Dharavi, Mumbai, Maharashtra: In a landmark decision, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced the expansion of Dharavi’s redevelopment plan to include over one lakh ineligible slum-dwellers alongside the 60,000 eligible residents registered before 2007. The inclusive scheme aims to give all residents a fresh start with new homes under an updated housing development policy.

This marks a departure from the Maha Vikas Aghadi government’s earlier approach, which restricted benefits to eligible slum-dwellers. Shinde emphasized that under the earlier plan, redeveloping Dharavi was near impossible and stressed the need to effectively communicate the revised criteria to the public.

The Mahayuti government is drafting a new housing policy, the first in Maharashtra since 2007. Aiming for finalization by February, it includes senior citizen-friendly provisions and a focus on eco-friendly and affordable housing.

Key initiatives include housing for 1 lakh mill workers, exploring options for workers who have migrated back to villages, redevelopment of BDD Chawl and Kamathipura areas, and streamlining home allotment through MHADA and SRA schemes. Online processes and hostels for women workers, students, and low-cost rental housing are also in the pipeline.

With these efforts, the government is committed to making housing more accessible and inclusive for every citizen.