A firm led by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani is set to commence data and biometrics collection from up to 1 million residents starting in February. This effort forms a crucial part of the ambitious project aimed at transforming one of Asia’s largest slums.
The survey, to be conducted door-to-door, holds immense importance in determining the eligibility criteria for residents to receive free housing within the redevelopment area. The initiative comes after decades of authorities grappling with the challenges of revitalizing the 640-acre (260-hectare) Dharavi, with the Adani Group emerging victorious in securing the bid for the redevelopment in collaboration with the state of Maharashtra. However, lingering legal disputes over the contract award persist.
Only residents who have resided in Dharavi before the year 2000 are deemed eligible for the free housing. With the last survey of the area conducted 15 years ago, estimates suggest that approximately 700,000 ineligible inhabitants could potentially be relocated from Dharavi, raising concerns about the implications for their livelihoods and the prospect of increased rent payments.
S.V.R. Srinivas, head of the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority overseeing the project, disclosed that the Adani-led firm will utilize questionnaires to gather comprehensive details of Dharavi occupants, including their usage of premises for residential or commercial purposes, proofs of ownership, and biometric data.
Adani has enlisted global teams for the project, with Srinivas expressing optimism about the redevelopment commencing within a year. The survey will be conducted in two phases, beginning with a pilot phase involving a few hundred residents within three to four weeks, followed by a comprehensive nine-month exercise.
Final eligibility for residents to receive free homes or relocation will be determined by the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority, which plans to bolster its staffing to oversee the survey and the project effectively, Srinivas added.
