Adani, whose conglomerate recently secured the ₹23,000 crore redevelopment contract for Dharavi, promises to turn the densely populated area into a "world-class" district. The project, which aims to displace around 700,000 of the approximately 1 million residents, has been met with both excitement and skepticism.
"We're not just building homes; we're building dreams," Adani declared at a press conference, standing atop a makeshift podium constructed from repurposed plastic bottles. "Dharavi will no longer be known for its slums but for its sustainable luxury."
From Slum to Chic
The redevelopment plan includes the construction of high-rise apartments with built-in composting toilets, rooftop gardens irrigated with purified monsoon water, and elevators powered by the kinetic energy of children playing hopscotch. Residents will be offered 350-square-foot flats, 17% larger than the average in Mumbai’s other slum redevelopment areas.
However, not everyone is convinced. Mohammad Shakib, a lifelong Dharavi resident, expressed concerns about losing his home and livelihood. "They say it's about dignity, but where will we go? Our lives are here."
Artisanal Garbage and Cultural Preservation
In an effort to preserve Dharavi's rich cultural heritage, Adani plans to establish a series of "artisanal garbage boutiques" where tourists can purchase handcrafted items made from recycled materials. These boutiques will be staffed by local artisans trained in the ancient art of upcycling.
"We're turning trash into treasure," said Adani. "It's not just about redevelopment; it's about reimagining what waste can be."
Environmental Concerns and Legal Challenges
Despite the ambitious plans, the project faces significant environmental and legal hurdles. The redevelopment area includes ecologically sensitive salt-pan land, and environmentalists have raised concerns about potential damage to the ecosystem. The Adani Group is currently defending itself in India's National Green Tribunal over claims related to environmental impact.
Opposition parties have accused the government of favoritism in awarding the contract to Adani, with Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray alleging a ₹5,000 crore giveaway to the Adani Group.