The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), a major urban renewal initiative aimed at transforming Asia’s largest slum into a modern township, has introduced a four-tier grievance redressal mechanism to address residents’ concerns. This system, launched today, ensures transparency and fairness as the project progresses, allowing residents to raise issues directly, including to the state’s Chief Minister if needed.
The DRP, a joint venture between the Maharashtra government and Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd (led by the Adani Group), is a $11.5 billion (Rs 95,790 crore) effort to provide housing, better infrastructure, and preserve Dharavi’s vibrant economic hub. Covering 251 hectares, the project aims to rehabilitate over 700,000 residents with modern homes, green spaces, and a multi-modal transit hub.
The new grievance system has four levels to resolve complaints efficiently:
Local Level: Residents can submit concerns at local DRP offices for quick resolution.
Appellate Officer: If unresolved, issues escalate to an appellate officer for review.
Grievance Redressal Committee: A dedicated committee examines complex cases.
Chief Minister’s Office: As a final step, residents can appeal directly to Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for high-level intervention.
This mechanism comes as the project finalizes its initial eligibility list, determining which residents qualify for free 350-square-foot homes within Dharavi or subsidized rental housing elsewhere in Mumbai. Only ground-floor residents who settled before January 1, 2000, are eligible for free in-situ housing, causing some concern among residents about eligibility and displacement.
SVR Srinivas, CEO of DRP, emphasized the system’s role in ensuring no one is left behind. “This is the most transparent slum rehabilitation project in India. Our goal is housing for all while protecting Dharavi’s livelihoods,” he said in a statement. The project has also digitized its survey process, mapping every household and business to address disputes promptly.
Residents have expressed mixed feelings. While some welcome the promise of better living conditions, others worry about losing their community’s unique character or being relocated outside Dharavi. Rajendra Korde, president of the Dharavi Residents Association, called for greater transparency in the master plan and broader eligibility criteria.
The DRP, approved by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in May 2025, is set to complete its first phase of 10,000 rehab flats in Mahim by 2028. The project also includes plans for metro connectivity, a modern bus depot, and new sewer and water networks, aiming to make Mumbai slum-free.
This grievance system is a step toward addressing resident concerns, ensuring the redevelopment balances modernization with inclusivity. For more details, visit the official DRP website or contact local project offices.
