Inside the Dharavi Adani Project?

The Dharavi Adani project aspires to transform one of Asia's largest slums into a contemporary urban community, garnering significant media attention. Support and opposition to the project have been ignited by polished presentations, rehabilitation assertions, and the endorsement of a corporate giant such as the Adani Group.

But what’s happening on the ground? Who benefits—and who bears the brunt of this megaproject? This blog explores it all, with short, pointed sections to help you understand the scope, the controversies, and the future of Dharavi’s transformation.

What is the Dharavi Adani Project?

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) is a large-scale urban transformation initiative aimed at reshaping the 600-acre slum area into a modern housing and commercial zone. The goal is to replace the current informal settlements with planned infrastructure—roads, apartment complexes, sanitation, schools, and healthcare facilities.

The Dharavi Adani project is a public-private partnership. In 2022, Adani Group won the bid to lead the redevelopment, promising an investment of over ₹5,000 crore. The redevelopment is being executed by a special purpose vehicle (SPV) called Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL)—now renamed Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd (NMDPL).

Why is Dharavi Important?

Dharavi, a middle-class Mumbai area, is called home by around a million people.   It is a vibrant economy, not only a shantytown.

• Over 20,000 small businesses operate here.

• Annual turnover from local industries (like leather, pottery, and recycling) is estimated at ₹5,000 crore.

• Its proximity to Mumbai's financial districts makes it prime real estate.

This mix of human density, economic activity, and urban chaos has made Dharavi a complex puzzle for planners and politicians alike.

Project Progress: Where Things Stand

As of early 2025, the project has moved beyond paper promises:

• Over 63,000 households have been surveyed.

• Lane mapping and reconnaissance are complete for more than 95,000 tenements.

• Nearly 89,000 structures have been numbered for eventual rehabilitation.

• The construction phase is expected to begin in late 2025.

But while paperwork and planning move forward, ground realities are raising serious concerns.

The Deonar Relocation Controversy

The intended relocation of thousands of residents to the Deonar landfill, among the most poisonous and oldest landfills in Mumbai, raises serious questions over the Dharavi Adani project.

According to a report by The Indian Express, this move could violate environmental guidelines laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

• Housing and schools are not allowed within or near active landfill sites.

• A 100-metre buffer zone is mandatory—but ignored in this case.

• Deonar emits around 6,202 kg of methane every hour, making it a health hazard.

• This decision has sparked public health and environmental concerns, with experts and activists calling it “inhumane and dangerous.”

Who’s Behind the Dharavi Adani Project?

The project is being led by Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd, an SPV where:

• Adani Properties Private Ltd holds an 80% stake.

• The remaining 20% is held by Maharashtra's Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).

Key names on the board include:

• Pranav Adani, Director at Adani Enterprises

• SVR Srinivas, Mumbai Metropolitan Commissioner

• Bhushan Gagrani, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner

The ₹5,000 crore authorized capital signals the scale—and seriousness—of this effort.

Environmental and Health Concerns

Beyond the Deonar issue, there are broader questions:

• Toxic gas emissions and leachate from landfills may contaminate groundwater.

• Unregulated construction could put new residents at risk of long-term illnesses.

• Noise, dust, and heavy vehicle movement during construction could worsen air quality.

• Critics argue that the Dharavi Adani project may prioritize speed and optics over sustainability and safety.

What Do the Residents Say?

Not everyone opposes building again.  Many Dharavi citizens embrace the concept of better infrastructure, cleaner sanitation, and appropriate housing.

However, issues they’ve raised include:

• Lack of clarity on final relocation sites

• Fear of losing livelihoods during the transition

• No guarantee of being resettled in Dharavi itself

• Absence of legal safeguards for tenants and small business owners

A transparent and participatory approach is being demanded by multiple resident welfare associations.

Is There a Legal Hurdle?

Yes, multiple legal petitions have already been filed in the Mumbai High Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT):

• Allegations of violations of environmental law

• Complaints against lack of public consultation

• Demands for updated impact assessments

Legal proceedings could delay parts of the project and might even lead to court-mandated revisions in execution plans.

Global Case Studies: Learning from Others

Mumbai isn’t the first city trying to revamp large slum areas. A few examples include:

• Revitalized favelas into official city neighborhoods through Rio de Janeiro's Favela-Bairro Project.

• Cape Town’s District Six Redevelopment: Attempted to bring back displaced communities.

• Delhi’s Kathputli Colony Project: Led to mass displacement and is still mired in controversy.

Each project offers both lessons and warnings for the Dharavi Adani project.

What Makes Dharavi Unique?

While redevelopment of slums isn’t new, Dharavi’s uniqueness lies in its:

• High population density (more than 300,000 people per square km!)

• Strong micro-economy of artisans, tanners, and recyclers

• Cultural diversity, with communities from all over India

• An organic layout that's not easy to duplicate in vertical towers

The greatest obstacle is updating the infrastructure while keeping this charm intact.

Government’s Role and Oversight

The Maharashtra government plays a key role as a stakeholder, especially through:

• The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA)

• Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA)

• Central environment and urban planning ministries

They are responsible for ensuring transparency, legality, and social justice during every phase of the Dharavi Adani project.

Opportunities: What Can Go Right?

If done right, the project can deliver:

• Safe housing for over 1 million people

• Clean water, sanitation, schools, and health centers

• Skill development centers and economic zones

• Integrated transport connectivity to major parts of Mumbai

If equity and the environment are given first priority, Dharavi has the potential to become an example of inclusive urban regeneration.

What Needs Urgent Attention?

To make the Dharavi Adani project people-centric and sustainable, some key recommendations include:

• Stop relocation to hazardous zones like Deonar

• Mandate environmental and social audits at every phase

• Involve residents in the planning and execution

• Set up independent monitoring committees

• Ensure livelihood continuity and not just housing

• Provide clear legal titles to prevent future evictions

Final Thoughts

One of the largest and most comprehensive slum rehabilitation projects in India's past was the Dharavi Adani project. But there needs to be responsibility with ambition.

It is essential, but not easy, to strike a balance between public health, environmental sustainability, and human rights in real estate development.

If done with care, compassion, and transparency, this project could serve as a beacon for equitable urban development. If not, it risks becoming yet another chapter of displaced communities and broken promises.