In a groundbreaking move for urban redevelopment in India, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) is leveraging advanced technologies like drones and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to map and survey Asia’s largest slum, officials announced. This high-tech approach aims to ensure precision, transparency, and efficiency in a project of immense complexity and scale.
Reimagining Dharavi: From Slum to Urban Hub
Spread across 620 acres near Mumbai’s international airport, Dharavi is home to approximately 1 million people, with 7 lakh residents likely eligible for free 350-square-foot flats under the redevelopment plan. The project, spearheaded by Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd—80% owned by the Adani Group—seeks to transform the slum into a modern urban hub akin to international cityscapes.
Cutting-Edge Technology at Work
For the first time in a slum redevelopment initiative, technologies like LiDAR, drones, and mobile applications are being employed:
- LiDAR Mapping: Utilizing laser-based technology, LiDAR creates precise 3D models of Dharavi’s intricate terrain, structures, and pathways. Portable backpack-mounted scanners allow teams to navigate narrow lanes.
- Drones: Aerial drones capture overhead imagery to complement ground-level mapping.
- Digital Twin: These technologies are used to create a “digital twin” of Dharavi—a virtual replica enabling enhanced data analysis and decision-making.
This digital model aids in identifying eligible residents, resolving disputes efficiently, and minimizing errors in the data collection process.
Challenges and Community Engagement
Despite its promise, the project faces challenges, particularly skepticism among Dharavi’s residents regarding fraud or misuse of data. To address these concerns, DRP-SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority) has launched an extensive public engagement campaign, including:
- Distribution of informational pamphlets.
- Public meetings to explain survey details.
- Establishment of call centers for queries.
Field supervisors are assisting residents in preparing and submitting documentation, ensuring no one is excluded from the process. Residents are provided acknowledgment slips after successful submissions, outlining the next steps in their rehabilitation journey.
Innovative Housing Solutions
The Maharashtra government has approved the acquisition of 256 acres of salt-pan land for building affordable housing, ensuring sufficient space for both current residents and relocated businesses. Surveys are ongoing to decide whether residents will be rehoused within Dharavi or relocated to alternative sites.
Redefining Slum Redevelopment in India
The Dharavi project is not just a redevelopment initiative; it’s a model for future urban rejuvenation. By embracing technology and prioritizing transparency, the DRP is setting a new standard for transforming marginalized communities into thriving urban spaces.
As Dharavi moves towards a new chapter, the success of this ambitious plan could redefine how India tackles its urban housing challenges.
