• Dharavi Survey Deadline Extended, Protests Intensify
• Adani’s Mega Project or Dharavi’s Mega Crisis?
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
The Dharavi Redevelopment Authority (DRA) has officially announced an extension for the ongoing eligibility survey of slum dwellers under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. The new deadline has been pushed to April 15, 2024, as per a statement released today. The survey, conducted by the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority in collaboration with Adani Group’s Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt. Ltd. (NMDPL), aims to determine the eligibility of slum residents for rehabilitation.
While the extension was presented as a final deadline, the Dharavi Bachao Andolan Samiti (Dharavi Save Movement Committee) has strongly opposed the move, calling it yet another coercive tactic against residents.
• Growing Discontent Among Dharavi Residents
The central and state governments have been accused of forcefully imposing the redevelopment project on Dharavi’s residents without their consent. Since March 2024, NMDPL has been conducting the survey, and the company claims to have already surveyed 63,000 residents. However, opposition groups argue that the process lacks transparency and fails to address the core demands of the people.
In response to the government’s actions, the Dharavi Bachao Andolan Samiti and Bharat Mukti Morcha have scheduled a public meeting on April 5 at Badi Masjid in Dharavi. The gathering aims to raise awareness and strengthen resistance against what protesters call “misleading efforts by the government.” Shiv Sena leader and MP Anil Desai is expected to address the meeting and provide guidance to the community.
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• Allegations of Indirect Pressure and Manipulation
Residents and activists claim that the Adani Group, through its subsidiary NMDPL, has been using indirect incentives and social outreach programs to pacify opposition. Reports suggest that the company has sponsored donations during Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri, organized cricket tournaments, and even conducted mega job recruitment drives to win over the locals.
Despite these efforts, Dharavi residents remain firm on their primary demand: “House for a house, shop for a shop.” Protesters argue that any compromise on this principle will lead to displacement and loss of livelihood.
Former Shiv Sena MLA and Dharavi Bachao Andolan coordinator Baburao Mane, Janata Dal (Secular) leader Prabhakar Narkar, Sanjeevkumar Sadanandan, and AAP leader Dhananjay Shinde have warned the government against using pressure tactics. “Now, with this latest statement, the government is indirectly threatening Dharavi residents. But we will not let this plan succeed,” Mane asserted.
As the April 15 deadline approaches, tensions in Dharavi continue to escalate, with residents gearing up for intensified protests against the redevelopment project. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the future course of action for both the government and Dharavi’s resilient community.
• Controversies Surrounding Adani Group and Dharavi Redevelopment
The involvement of the Adani Group in the Dharavi Redevelopment Project has been mired in controversy from the outset. Critics argue that the project, touted as the world’s largest slum redevelopment, is primarily designed to serve corporate interests rather than the welfare of Dharavi’s residents. Activists claim that the bidding process itself was questionable, with Adani Group winning the contract despite past allegations of monopolistic practices and political favoritism. The project was initially awarded to a Dubai-based firm, but it was later scrapped and handed over to Adani, raising suspicions of undue influence.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency in Adani’s dealings with the local population. Many residents allege that they have not been given clear information about their future housing rights and that the rehabilitation plans remain vague. There are also fears that the new redevelopment will prioritize commercial and luxury real estate, pushing original residents out of their decades-old homes. The state government’s unwavering support for Adani in this project has only deepened suspicions of corporate-government collusion at the cost of the urban poor.
Another major point of contention is the environmental and infrastructural impact of the redevelopment. Dharavi, despite its informal settlements, is a hub of small-scale industries, recycling businesses, and artisans who contribute significantly to Mumbai’s economy. Critics argue that Adani’s vision for the redevelopment does not accommodate these existing livelihoods and instead focuses on high-rise housing and commercial spaces that cater to wealthier buyers. Many fear that the forced relocation of Dharavi’s businesses will disrupt the local economy and displace thousands of workers, further intensifying socio-economic inequalities in Mumbai.
As the battle over Dharavi’s future intensifies, the coming months will test the resilience of its residents against corporate power and government-backed redevelopment plans.
• Sprouts Stands with Dharavi Residents Against Adani’s Policies
Sprouts News has consistently exposed the unethical policies of the Adani Group, highlighting its false claims and corporate-driven agenda. The team remains committed to standing with the people of Dharavi, amplifying their voices against forced redevelopment and ensuring their rights are protected. The Dharavi redevelopment project, controlled by Adani’s Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt. Ltd. (NMDPL), has been widely criticized for lacking transparency and disregarding the concerns of local residents. While the project is presented as a rehabilitation initiative, critics argue that it primarily benefits corporate interests, sidelining the rightful stakeholders—the people of Dharavi.
• Opposing Paid News and Media Manipulation
In addition to exposing Adani’s flawed policies, Sprouts News firmly opposes the increasing trend of paid news and corporate-controlled narratives. The Adani Group has been accused of using financial influence to manipulate media coverage, suppressing critical voices and promoting misleading claims about its projects. Unlike mainstream outlets that accept paid advertisements to present a biased version of reality, Sprouts News remains dedicated to ethical journalism, ensuring that the truth reaches the public. By challenging corporate propaganda and standing against paid media practices, Sprouts continues to uphold the values of responsible and independent journalism.