The History, Real Estate & Redevelopment of Mumbai’s Dharavi Slum
The Dharavi Slum Redevelopment Project’s most recent developments
The High Court claims that the new Dharavi Slum redevelopment tender is transparent.
August 31, 2023: According to information provided by the Maharashtra High Court, the tender approved for the redevelopment of the Dharavi Slum was transparent and no undue favours were given. In the 2022 tender for the redevelopment of Dharavi, one of the largest slums in the world, Adani Properties Pvt Ltd was the successful bidder. For Rs. 5069 crores, the Adani Group won the auction to develop 259 hectares of land. The UAE-based company Seclink Technologies Corporation filed a suit against the government’s choice to award the project to Adani Properties.
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The Bombay High Court responded to the petition by calling the petitioner’s claims “fanciful and implausible.” They also mentioned how important this project is and how it will affect thousands of people’s lives.
The petitioner has made unsupported and careless claims, such as that the respondents’ acts were motivated by politics, without any evidence, which there is in fact none of. The writ petition ought to be rejected with costs for the sole reason that it makes careless accusations.
Mumbai‘s Dharavi Slum
Dharavi, dubbed one of the biggest slums in the world, is situated in the centre of Mumbai. It was established during the British colonial era and is home to over a million people. For individuals who relocate to Mumbai in order to make a living, it has evolved into a less expensive option over time. Additionally, although the Dharavi slum is well known for being crowded, films like “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Gully Boy” have substantially raised awareness of it.
But Dharavi is more than just winding streets, little houses, and public sewers. Let’s go further to discover more about the region, its markets, and its real estate market.
Origin of the Dharavi Slum
Dharavi was a mangrove swamp island in the 18th century before developing into a town in the 19th. People began referring to it as Koliwada village because it was home to the ‘Kolis’, a fishing tribe.
Dharavi in Colonial Times
In the 1850s, Bombay expanded significantly under the British Raj & the East India Company. Tanneries were one of the enterprises that were established at that period. In 1887, the first tannery relocated to Dharavi, Bombay. Lower caste Hindus and Muslim Hindus, who subsequently became early immigrants in Dharavi, made up the workforce in this sector. They were followed by a group of Gujarati potters. The colonial administration granted them a 99-year land lease in 1895.
As the years went by, Dharavi slum became home to rural migrants looking for work in Bombay.
The commerce for ready-made clothing soon began with craftsmen from Uttar Pradesh. And as the number of positions expanded, more labour began to arrive. Although Bombay’s general expansion was positive, no government intervention was involved in Dharavi’s development.
The Evolution of Dharavi Following Independence
Dharavi had grown to be the biggest slum in Bombay and all of India by the time the country attained independence in 1947. While Bombay as a city experienced spectacular growth, operators dumped their rubbish in vacant lots within the Dharavi slum.
Plans for the rehabilitation of Dharavi began to appear around 1950. But the majority fell short owing to a lack of funding and political support. The Dharavi Cooperative Housing Society was founded in the 1960s to improve the lives of slum residents. The community advertised 300+ apartments and over 100 stores. The Dharavi slum took up 175 acres of land by the turn of the 20th century and had an amazing population density of 2900+ people per hectare.
Population of Dharavi
The population of Dharavi is not known with precision. But according to sources, there are more over 800,000 people living in the Dharavi slum per square mile.
To further divide it, 30% of the people in Dharavi are Muslims. Hindus and Christians each have a percentage of 63% and 6% of the population, respectively. In Dharavi, there is a very small number of Buddhists and adherents of other minor religions.
20% of the Hindu residents of Dharavi are employed in large-scale businesses that produce leather goods, operate tanneries, and create animal skins. Others specialised in small-scale activities like pottery work, retail and trade, textile manufacture, etc.
The population of Dharavi is made up of people from many states and religions overall. Within the slum, one may discover churches, mosques and temples, with Badi Masjid being the oldest building.
Leather Market in Dharavi
Twenty thousand small manufacturers and enterprises call Dharavi home, and its leather market is its most well-known attraction. The Dharavi leather market, also referred to as a “leather paradise,” has a wide selection of affordable yet stylish things. Here is a list of things you really must see if you plan on visiting this market:
Bags and Backpacks:
The Dharavi leather market has a fantastic assortment of leather handbags and backpacks. Here, you may find a wide variety of high-quality solutions for backpacks, whether you need one for a quick trip or one with enough room for a lengthy excursion.
Price: Rs 2,500 to start
Jackets:
A leather jacket is one item that most shopaholics simply cannot get enough of. Everyone wishes they could own a leather jacket, but the price tag can be prohibitive. However, you may purchase one for less money at the Dharavi leather market. You can purchase one straight from the factory outlet because there are leather industries in the Dharavi slum.
Price: Beginning at Rs. 800
Belts:
The Dharavi Leather Market offers a staggering variety of leather belts. Simple options for sizes, colours, and patterns are available. When purchasing directly from a manufacturer outlet, you can request adjustments based on your waist size.
Price: Beginning at Rs. 400
Shoes:
Where can I buy good leather shoes? The leather market in Dharavi is the place to be. The market offers a wide range of options, from formal leather shoes to casual shoes in various sizes and colours. You can shop for boots, outdoor clothing, sandals, and slippers in addition to shoes here.
Price: Beginning at Rs. 1,500
Wallets:
Expensive leather wallets enhance a person’s personality. These wallets have soft surfaces that feel wonderful to the touch and look excellent from a distance. The Dharavi leather market has a wide selection of wallets, both leather and non-leather, for affordable prices.
Price: Beginning at Rs. 400
Jewellery Box:
You can depend on Dharavi Leather Market to offer some classy jewellery boxes. You can be sure to find a nice fit for you or a loved one here with the variety of shapes and sizes. They can be used to store a variety of jewellery items, including earrings, bangles, chains, and more.
Price: Beginning at Rs. 600
Hats:
Looking for a cowboy hat but not wanting to pay a lot of money? Just go to the leather market in Dharavi. Discover a wonderful selection of hats, including several leather cowboy hats. Purchasing a leather hat will assist you avoid the extreme summer heat in Mumbai if you are a new resident.
Price: Beginning at Rs. 900
Diary:
Keeping a diary or planner handy will help you keep organised. Another form of therapy that reduces stress is keeping daily notebooks. The Dharavi leather market will not let you down if you want to purchase a faux or genuine leather diary. You can pick from a variety of journals and even get smooth or soft covers that are personalized for you.
Price: Rs. 300 starting
View the Dharavi Slum
There are numerous methods to visit the Dharavi slum, which is the pulsing centre of Mumbai. The price of a slum tour varies depending on the excursion’s length and type. To get a sense of how much the slum tour will cost, look at the price chart below:
| Tour Type | Cost |
| Solo Trip (with Guide) | Rs 5,000 to 7,000 |
| Short Tour (1-2 hours) | Rs. 500 – 1,000 |
| Group Tour (6 people) | Rs 2,000 per head |
Before booking a Dharavi Slum Tour, consider the following:
A Dharavi Slum tour is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Keep the following in mind to get the most out of your slum tour:
- When you make a reservation, you’ll get a confirmation of your tour.
- Verify that neither you nor anyone travelling with you suffers from any major medical illnesses, including heart issues.
- The prospects of finding a wheelchair facility in Dharavi are little to none as it is a slum.
- Booking companies for tours advise against bringing young children on the slum tour if they are under three years old.
- As you will be traversing the entire slum area on foot, wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Make sure to carefully review the Dharam slum tour cancellation policy.
- Most tour operators offer a full refund for cancellations made up to one day prior to the start of the excursion.
- If you decide to cancel your Dharavi trip less than 24 hours before the activity, you probably won’t get a full refund.
Activities in Dharavi
Make the most of your Dharavi slum tour by participating in the following activities:
Recycling place: Visit the renowned Dharavi recycling place to learn the entire plastic recycling process.
Rooftop Visit: Visit the rooftop for a breathtaking view of the residential neighbourhood and recycling facility in Dharavi.
Papad Making: While in Dharavi, be sure to observe the papad-making process up close.
Kumbharwada Pottery Colony: Visit the more than 100-year-old Kumbharwada Pottery Colony to see the famous earthen pots and artists who have made this neighbourhood famous.
Dharavi Bus Depot & Additional Transportation Options
A common destination for local transport companies is Dharavi. From any location in Mumbai, one may get taxis, cars and other forms of transportation to get to the Dharavi slum. Another great option is the Mumbai local trains; exit at King’s Circle or Mahim Junction. From these stations, you may either take a rickshaw or walk to get to Dharavi.
The bus depot in Dharavi, the labour camp at Matunga, the bus station in Mahim Phatak, etc. are some of the closest bus terminals for those who prefer them.
Pin code for Dharavi and other location information
Here are the Dharavi location indicators, which span a 2.1 square km area:
Founded: 1884
Area: 210 Hectares
Pin Code: 400017
Area Code: 022
The Real Estate Landscape of Dharavi
One of Asia’s most significant economic areas, the Bandra Kurla Complex, is close to the Dharavi Slum. People may easily go to work thanks to the slum’s proximity to GTB Nagar, Chunabhatti, and two significant railway lines.
Homes with 1 & 2 BHK configurations are the most popular choice in Dharavi. with strong demand for real estate, including both residential and commercial buildings like stores.
Dharavi Slum: Plan for Renovation
Plans to rehabilitate the Dharavi slum, similar to Tai Hang, a historic slum in Hong Kong, have been in place since 1997. Around 5000 crores of rupees were spent on its refurbishment in 2004, and numerous significant corporations competed for the contract. Among the famous names were Lehman Brothers (USA), Capitaland Ltd (Singapore), and Limitless (Dubai).
In 2004, the redevelopment plan
In 2004, the redevelopment plan was unable to proceed, and after reappraisal, the estimated cost was revised to around Rs. 15,000 crores.
An architect with training in America named Mukesh Mehta is in charge of the Dharavi slum’s most current urban development plan. For the benefit of the local families, this plan calls for building 30,000,000 square feet of schools, homes, roads, and parks. Additionally, there are commercial and residential premises totaling 40,000,000 square feet that are for sale. However, the local populace is strongly opposed to this plan. They claim that the updated rent per tenant will not be sufficient for every family. Additionally, under this plan, only families who have previously resided in the area before 2000 are eligible for relocation. To deal with opposition, the members, neighbourhood organisations, and landowners created a new trust named the Dharavi Community Land Trust.
Another redevelopment proposal under the control of British engineering & architectural company Foster + Partners is the “Dharavi Masterplan.” It entails the creation of vertical landscapes made of double-height spaces.
The Dubai-based SecLink Group also has plans to rehabilitate the Dharavi Slum. The corporation will invest 400 crore rupees in equity, while the state government will contribute an additional 100 crore to the budget. The organisation has built infrastructure and projects for affordable housing in Singapore and Dubai in the past. Senior state officials have stated that the corporation, state government, and DRPA (Dharavi Redevelopment Project Authority) will execute an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). The Dharavi slum renovation project is India’s largest brownfield rehabilitation project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 26,000 crores. The state (Maharashtra) government intends to convert the Dharavi area into a magnet for commerce and corporate activities.
Nearby Residential Areas Besides Dharavi
Here are the best residential areas around Dharavi, Mumbai, along with their property prices.
| Residential Localities | Average Property Rates Per Sq. Ft. |
| Sion West | Rs 18,750 – Rs 47,059 per sqft |
| Sion Koliwada | Rs 13,333 – Rs 47,843 per sqft |
| Rajiv Gandhi Nagar | Rs 7,636 per sqft |
| Sion East | Rs 13,333 – Rs 51,060 per sqft |
| Sindhi Colony | Rs 17,841 – Rs 29,323 per sqft |
| Rani Laxmibai Chowk | Rs 31,429 – Rs 31,429 per sqft |
Interesting Facts about the Dharavi Slum
Discover some fascinating information about Mumbai’s Dharavi Slum below.
- One of the country’s most educated slums is Dharavi.
- Three android apps were created by girls in the Dharavi Slum who are around 14 years old.
- Hindus, Muslims, Christians, & Buddhists are among the minority religions present in the Dharavi Slum’s population.
- Residents of the Dharavi Slum primarily produce leather, textiles, and pottery.
- Every year, a three-week art festival is held in the area to honour the talent of the Dharavi Slum’s resident artists.
- There are more over 15,000 single-room factories in the Dharavi Slum, which is home to about 5,000 companies.
Additional Dharavi Slum News
CM of Maharashtra asks Adani Group to demonstrate financial capability in order to obtain the letter of intent for Dharavi redevelopment
March 2023: Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, stated that the Adani Group will only be granted the Letter of Intent for the Dharavi Re-Development Project after demonstrating its financial capacity to carry it out. Recently, the Dharavi Real-Estate Redevelopment Project’s tender was won by Adani Group.
Varsha Gaikwad, a Congress legislator, represents the area that includes Dharavi. In response to her concerns on the Hindenburg Research project based on the claims of stock manipulation, Devendra Fadnavis made this statement.
The Chief Minister added that the transparent nature of the project’s initial tendering procedure. According to the reports, three parties submitted applications for the Dharavi Re-Development Project, which was a global tender. According to CM, two out of the three firms submitted substantial proposals, and the contract was awarded to the company with the highest bid.
Industrial Units Will Get More Space in Dharavi, Maharashtra CM Announces
December 2022: According to the Dharavi rehabilitation plan, Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on December 30 that the current industrial units in Dharavi will gain greater space in addition to a common facilities centre and a tax sop for five years.
Fadnavis claimed that the government took into consideration Dharavi’s contribution to Mumbai & Maharashtra when creating the Dharavi Redevelopment Plan. “We have created a zone for businesses and industries. This area will feature upgraded facilities, more space, and a common facility core.
Fadnavis also disclosed that taxes would be exempt for a period of five years. He stated that legal structures would be protected for religious sites. These structures might be adjusted, but they’ll get a good spot.
Conclusion: Dharavi Slum
In addition to being the biggest slum in India, Dharavi is also the one with the “most educated” population. The region has a sizable population that is extremely diversified in terms of ethnicity and religion. Additionally, the majority of the slum dwellers are employed by a thriving informal sector.
It would be fascinating to watch how Dharavi changes in the upcoming years given the excellent redevelopment plans now in place. Visit navimumbaihouses.com for information on the availability of residential spaces and business establishments in the region!
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