Adani's Dharavi Redevelopment Faces Land Acquisition Hurdles

A joint venture led by billionaire Gautam Adani is struggling to secure land to rehabilitate residents of Mumbai's Dharavi slum. Despite winning a $619 million bid for redevelopment, the project faces protests and land acquisition challenges, jeopardizing the ambitious plan to convert the slum into a modern city hub.

A joint-venture led by billionaire Gautam Adani is encountering significant difficulties in securing land to provide new homes for the residents of Mumbai's Dharavi slum. According to a government official, this presents a fresh challenge for the ambitious redevelopment project.

Dharavi, one of Asia's largest slums, was featured in the film "Slumdog Millionaire" and starkly contrasts with India's development boom. Adani Group plans to transform the 240-hectare slum into a modern hub after winning a $619 million bid last year. However, the project is obstructed by protests and allegations of undue favors from the state government, which the group denies.

The project requires additional land to house approximately 700,000 ineligible residents. Yet, local and federal agencies have not allocated the necessary land due to their own plans, adding to the challenges faced by the redevelopment effort.

(With inputs from agencies.)