Thackeray Urges Fresh Tender for Dharavi Redevelopment

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has urged the state government to scrap the existing Dharavi redevelopment project tender awarded to Adani Realty and issue a fresh one. Thackeray highlighted concerns over transparency and fairness in the current process.

The Dharavi redevelopment project, valued at over ?200 billion, aims to transform the slum into a modern urban area. However, the award of the tender to Adani Realty has faced criticism from various quarters, including political opponents and local activists.

Thackeray emphasised the importance of ensuring that the redevelopment benefits Dharavi's residents and accused the government of rushing the tender process without adequate stakeholder consultation. He suggested that a new tender would promote competitiveness and ensure better outcomes for the community.

The Dharavi Redevelopment Authority (DRA) has been tasked with overseeing the project, which involves the rehabilitation of thousands of families and businesses. The project's scale and impact make transparency and accountability crucial.

In response to Thackeray's statements, the Maharashtra government has maintained that the tender process was conducted legally and transparently. However, they have not ruled out the possibility of reviewing the situation.

The call for a fresh tender reflects ongoing debates about urban redevelopment in Mumbai, highlighting the need to balance development goals with social and community concerns. The Dharavi project remains a focal point for discussions about urban planning and redevelopment in one of the world's largest slums.

Related Stories