Adani's Dharavi Dream Faces Land Hurdles Amid Mumbai Renovation

Gautam Adani's joint venture struggles to secure land needed for rehabilitating residents during the redevelopment of Mumbai's Dharavi slum, facing delays due to existing land use by government agencies and protests from political opposition. The project aims to transform the slum into a modern hub, but historical eligibility criteria and land scarcity pose significant challenges.

Gautam Adani's joint venture is facing significant challenges in the redevelopment of Dharavi, one of Asia's largest slums, located in Mumbai. The struggle to secure land for housing residents has become a major obstacle, as government agencies are unwilling to release the land for the project, according to a government official.

The Dharavi slum, depicted in the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire,' contrasts sharply with India's rapid development. The Adani Group, after winning a $619 million bid, plans to transform the 240-hectare area into a modern city hub. However, only residents living there before 2000 will receive free homes, complicating the venture as at least 580 acres are needed for others considered ineligible.

Despite the land issue, the project has started with a survey to determine eligibility and is aimed to be completed in seven years. This high-profile project is crucial for Adani, especially after facing allegations of business mismanagement, which he has denied. The group remains hopeful, despite acknowledging the 'colossal' challenges ahead and aims to transform Dharavi into a prosperous area minus the 'slumdog' connotation.

(With inputs from agencies.)