Mumbai Dharavi Redevelopment: Asia's Largest Slum On The Verge Of Transformation Into A Modern Urban Space

Mumbai: Dharavi, Asia's largest slum, is set for a transformation as the Maharashtra government is planning to roll out an ambitious redevelopment project. This initiative, which is in the planning stage, is finally poised to change the face of Dharavi, turning it into a modern urban space with significant enhancements in living conditions, healthcare, and education. The redevelopment is expected to improve the overall quality of life for the millions who call this densely populated area home.At the core of the project is the improvement of basic amenities such as clean drinking water and an efficient sewage system. Dharavi has long suffered from a lack of proper sanitation, leading to widespread waterborne diseases. With the introduction of these new systems, the incidence of diseases caused by contaminated water is expected to drop drastically, offering residents a healthier living environment.

Dharavi, #Asia's largest #slum, on the verge of transformation#Maharashtra govt plans to transform #Dharavi into a modern urban space#DharaviDiaries pic.twitter.com/wtR4tvaEIa

— Mirror Now (@MirrorNow) October 18, 2024

Equally important is the focus on education. The redevelopment plan includes modernising Dharavi's educational infrastructure, which will give students better access to quality learning resources and facilities. Healthcare is another key focus. With improved healthcare facilities, residents will have better access to medical services, further contributing to a higher quality of life. Dharavi is a slum cluster covering approximately 600 acres, housing various small-scale, unorganised industries that produce goods like medicines, leather, footwear, and garments. Situated near the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)—India's most expensive commercial office hub—it holds significant strategic importance. With an estimated population of nearly one million, Dharavi has gained prominence twice in the past two decades. The first was in 2008, following the release of the film Slumdog Millionaire, which brought global attention to the area. The second was during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Dharavi became one of Mumbai’s hardest-hit slum areas.