” Adani, led by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, is set to initiate the data collection process in February for the redevelopment of Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums in Mumbai “
The survey aims to gather information and biometrics of up to 1 million residents, a crucial step in determining eligibility for free housing in the redeveloped area.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Authority, overseeing the project, highlighted that only residents who lived in Dharavi before the year 2000 would qualify for the free housing. The last survey conducted 15 years ago raises concerns about the potential relocation of around 700,000 ineligible inhabitants outside Dharavi, sparking worries about lost livelihoods and high rent payments.
The door-to-door survey will involve the use of questionnaires to collect details such as residency status, whether the premises are used for residential or commercial purposes, proofs of ownership, and biometric data. The objective is to ensure that all eligible individuals receive houses, and no ineligible persons gain undue advantage, according to S.V.R. Srinivas, head of the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority.
Despite legal disputes over the contract award, Adani Group, in collaboration with the state of Maharashtra, secured the bid for the redevelopment. Adani has enlisted global teams for the project, and Srinivas anticipates the redevelopment to commence within a year.
The survey will be conducted in two phases, with a pilot phase covering a few hundred residents in three to four weeks, followed by the full exercise lasting nine months. The Dharavi Redevelopment Authority will determine the final eligibility of residents for free homes or relocation. Additional staff will be hired to oversee the survey and the project, ensuring a comprehensive and fair redevelopment process.
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