Dharavi Redevelopment Project: Residents Eager to Join the Transformation
Dharavi Redevelopment Project Gains Momentum
Mumbai: The survey phase of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) is nearing completion, and many residents who previously did not participate are now reaching out to the project's toll-free helpline for inclusion, as reported by a project official on Thursday.
In the last month, the helpline received approximately 700 calls, with around 41% of these inquiries focused on completing the essential door-to-door household survey, which is vital for determining eligibility for the redevelopment initiative.
An official noted, "This surge in calls reflects the residents' anxiety about potentially missing out on the redevelopment benefits, particularly housing opportunities," adding that 300 of the calls were specifically about the eligibility survey.
Other common inquiries included requests for documentation needed for eligibility verification, timelines for the project, and information regarding the allocation of new homes. Residents also sought details about the location and size of the new housing units, as well as the recent campaign encouraging participation in the survey.
Currently, only a few communities, such as Kumbharwada and Compound 13, have opted out of the eligibility survey, indicating that residents are becoming increasingly aware of the urgency of the situation.
Interestingly, residents of Kumbharwada, who initially resisted, have begun to volunteer for numbering their tenements in the last couple of days.
The official expressed optimism, stating, "The level of engagement we are witnessing is encouraging. The fact that nearly half of the calls pertain to the survey process indicates that residents are informed, interested, and eager to be part of this transformation."
The toll-free helpline serves as a crucial communication tool, allowing residents to voice their concerns and have their questions answered.
"We are dedicated to maintaining a transparent, community-focused redevelopment process that prioritizes open communication at every stage. This initiative aims to provide housing for all," a DRP official emphasized.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is recognized as one of the largest and most inclusive urban renewal efforts globally, with the goal of uplifting over one million residents through well-planned housing, infrastructure, and community services, all while preserving the area's social and economic fabric.