Gautam Adani, the Indian billionaire, in partnership with Mumbai’s slum rehabilitation authority, has enlisted a global team to spearhead the redevelopment of Dharavi, a significant initiative to transform one of Asia’s largest slums. The project faces mounting opposition, but aims to address the challenges of the densely populated area that accommodates thousands of underprivileged families in the heart of India’s financial hub, lacking basic amenities such as running water and proper sanitation.
The overhaul of Dharavi, approximately three-quarters the size of New York’s Central Park, has been under consideration since the 1980s. In July, the Maharashtra state government approved Adani’s $619 million proposal for the redevelopment, labeling it “the world’s largest urban renewal scheme” covering 625 acres (253 hectares).
Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRPPL), the joint venture established in July, announced its collaboration with renowned architect Hafeez Contractor, known for his work in social housing projects, as well as U.S. design firm Sasaki and UK consultancy firm Buro Happold for the redevelopment initiative.
The hiring of this international team is notable amid accusations from a competing bidder, alleging favorable treatment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s allies towards Adani. Concerns have also emerged about Adani’s ability to deliver on the ambitious project, given recent high-profile financial setbacks. Adani’s group asserts that the Dharavi project resulted from a fair, transparent, and internationally competitive bidding process, a sentiment echoed by the state government, which denies any wrongdoing.
Last month, thousands of protestors marched towards Adani’s Mumbai offices, expressing their opposition to the conglomerate’s redevelopment plans for Dharavi.