BMC Leases Mulund Land To Dharavi Project For 5 Years

The BMC's Improvement Committee has approved a proposal to lease around 15 acres of reclaimed land at the Mulund dumping ground to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) for five years. The lease is expected to generate an estimated Rs 103.47 crore in revenue for the civic body.

The land will be used to set up a casting yard, a precast manufacturing unit, and a ready-mix concrete (RMC) plant for the DRP. The proposal was met with opposition from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress corporators, who raised concerns about the lease. However, BJP corporators defended the proposal, saying the land was being provided for the benefit of the project.

BJP corporator Aneesh Makwaney said the people of Dharavi were living in poor conditions and that the government was working to improve their lives by providing permanent houses. He also said that the proper process had been followed while allotting the land. Sandhya Doshi, Chairperson of the Improvement Committee, said all members were allowed to express their views before the proposal was sanctioned.

Under the proposal, 60,703 sq m of land will be leased to Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd for five years. The site, where biomining is underway, contains an estimated 2.5-3 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste, which will be removed before handover. The BMC has fixed the rent at Rs 252 per sq m per month, with a 6 per cent annual increase, generating an estimated Rs 103.47 crore over five years.

The developer will spend Rs 20.04 crore on site remediation, which will be adjusted against the rent. The BMC is expected to receive Rs 83.44 crore in net rent, with total payment including GST at around Rs 100 crore. The land will be handed over on an “as is where is” basis and used only for approved facilities.

The developer will also obtain all required clearances, process the legacy waste as per rules, and provide CCTV, access control, and other safety measures. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project aims to provide better living conditions for the residents of Dharavi, one of the largest slums in Asia.

The project has been in the works for several years and has faced several delays and setbacks. However, with the approval of the lease proposal, the project is expected to move forward. The BMC's decision to lease the land is seen as a significant step towards the redevelopment of Dharavi.

The redevelopment project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of the residents of Dharavi, providing them with better living conditions and access to basic amenities. The project is also expected to have a positive impact on the environment, with the removal of legacy waste and the creation of a more sustainable and livable space.

In conclusion, the BMC's decision to lease the land to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is a significant step towards the redevelopment of one of the largest slums in Asia. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the residents of Dharavi and the environment, and is seen as a major milestone in the city's efforts to provide better living conditions for its citizens.