Dharavi Redevelopment: Transit Rent Cuts Target Residents Delaying Relocation

Residents who deliberately delay vacating hutments required for Dharavi’s redevelopment will receive lower transit rent, while households cooperating with relocation will continue to get full payments and shifting benefits, Adani-linked Dharavi redevelopment entity ANDPL said on Sunday.

The decision follows recent relocation drives. After demolition notices were issued to 16 families, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) counselled them and 12 agreed to move.

Authorities sought police assistance to clear the remaining four. In another case, all 85 families vacated after counselling, without force.

An ANDPL spokesperson said counselling would remain the preferred approach, but construction could not start while sites remained partly occupied.

Delays, the spokesperson added, hold up rehabilitation for other families and increase labour and equipment expenses.

Rehabilitation Benefits and Eligibility

The project aims to provide housing and commercial or industrial benefits under its rules. Eligible ground-floor residents whose homes existed by January 1, 2000, will receive a 350-square-foot home in Dharavi at no cost.

Those qualifying under the 2000–2011 category can obtain a 300-square-foot home within city limits for Rs 2.5 lakh.

Residents who moved in after January 1, 2011, and upper-floor occupants whose homes existed by November 15, 2022, qualify for 300-square-foot homes under an affordable rental policy outside Dharavi.

ANDPL said the reduced rates would apply only to residents it classifies as non-cooperating and deliberately delaying the project. It cited provisions of the Maharashtra Slum Areas Act, 1971, and DCPR 2034 as the basis for action.

Under the revised payments, covered ground-floor residents will receive Rs 15,000 monthly, down from Rs 18,000.

Upper-floor residents will get Rs 12,000 instead of Rs 15,000. Commercial and industrial occupants will receive Rs 145 per square foot, reduced from Rs 175.

The affected families will also lose the one-time Rs 5,000 shifting allowance.

The spokesperson said the deductions would partly offset additional expenses, including police deployment and extra labour and equipment.

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