Sunday, March 20, 2011

Slum Development : Dharavi

We all see them around us all the time. We avoid people living in them. Slums. A literall ‘growing’ concern considering the way they are increasing.

A path-breaking effort was initiated by Maharashtra Government in "total-township development" incorporating a holistic approach for development and rehabilitation of Asia's biggest slum - Dharavi.

Known world-wide, Dharavi- the 535-acre sprawling shanty of extreme conditions in central Mumbai- attracted special attention of Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh under his Mumbai Vision 2005-2025.

A unique effort was initiated in pioneering redevelopment of Dharavi into a total township involving a holistic approach. The estimated Rs 9,000-crore project envisaged an 'in-city' rehabilitation of almost 60,000 families.

Dharavi sits in the heart of the world's third largest city and India's financial capital-Mumbai. It mushroomed over years, including migrant population who often landed in the city of dreams empty-handed, seeking a livelihood.

Variously described, it has been a cause of crime, pollution, filth and environmental degradation mainly due to congestion, bad constructions, un-authorised traders and overpopulation. The government has been keen on re-graphing and developing the area into a dignified township.

The need for cleaning, decongesting and rehabilitating the slum was felt by the Maharashtra government and the venture was christened "Dharavi Redevelopment Project" (DRP).

Now DRP addresses most of the concerns, which explains the "in-citu". It is one of a kind project where in-citu people will be rehabilitated... these 6 lakh are not going anywhere... DRP has addressed issues of employment, production methods, and housing... all in the same area.

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