The ongoing inconsistency in resolving the eligibility criteria to get a new house has puzzled many residents and disgruntlement between the qualified and unqualified dwellers are already fermenting. The decision by the Maharashtra Government to shift the periphery in the regularization of slums in Mumbai is at a slow phase.
Initially, the pre-1990 slums were legalized. Gradually the date went on extending till 2000. With the ensuing BMC elections, it is assumed that the date could be extended further. Similarly, since 2006, the Dharavi redevelopment has been extended till 2021. There is a constant delay for years.
Initially, it was decided that people who are settled in Dharavi prior to or latest by 1986 and have the required documents to prove their residency, will be eligible to obtain flats under the government’s slum redevelopment plan.
Over the decades, power equations in the state kept shifting hands between the Congress and the BJP alliance combine.
The change of power hardly made any difference to the residents of Dharavi. The only change was in the base year for being considered as a legal tenant in the slum. The base year shifted to 1996 and subsequently to 2000 for being considered a legal tenant. The latest we get to hear is that it might get revised to 2006.
The old residents who have all legal documents, including rent receipts, electricity bill payment papers, valid identity proofs besides Aadhar and PAN cards feel cheated as the state government has failed to provide them relief in the form of proper flats under the redevelopment scheme.
In the recent past BBD chawl, the biggest slim project has almost been inaugurated and the work is in progress, but Dharavi redevelopment is in turmoil.
