The proposals were approved in principal in 2003 and Cabinet approval was granted in 2004. However, several local issues, announcement of elections, adverse public opinion and protests by activists, had led to delays as government was keen to address grievances before putting plans into action.
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," Kshatriya pointed out.
A meeting of the empowered committee to discuss project -- related matters was held on April 7, and was attended by Chief Secretary D K Shankaran, senior bureaucrats from government and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and several industrialists.
Dharavi is expected to be converted into a planned residential and commercial township through a public-private partnership model.
"DRP will adopt a private-public partnership model with investments being called for in open competition... and the process will be transparent," Kshatriya said.
The plan envisages dividing the slum into five fully self-sufficient sectors, complete with jogging tracks, open spaces, commercial set-ups, and educational and healthcare institutions.
Image: Youths clean their teeth near an open sewer in Dharavi slumson on January 17, 2004.
Text: PTI
Photograph: Rob Elliott/AFP/Getty Images
Advertisement
