Dharavi rehab plan gets a boost

 The long-delayed Dharavi Redevelopment Project could finally get a massive push forward. The state government on Tuesday approved the Development Control Rules (DCR) for redevelopment of Dharavi, Asia's second-largest slum, just ahead of the civic polls. 

    Announcing the decision at a press conference hurriedly called before the code of conduct comes in force, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan said, "Under the new DCR, the Maharashtra Housing Area Development Authority (Mhada) or any other public sector undertaking will act as a nodal agency for the Dharavi redevelopment project (DRP). Floor space index of 4 will be given for redevelopment which includes rehabilitating eligible slum dwellers in 300 sq ft flats free of cost,'' said Chavan. 
    The new DCR interestingly, does not put any restrictions on the number of storeys constructed for the slum dwellers. This is surprising as differences on the issue between the stateappointed expert committee headed by former chief secretary D M Sukhankar and project management consultant Mukesh Mehta delayed implementation of the DRP. "The committee wanted rehab buildings to be of only seven storeys as it felt the livelihood of slum dwellers would be affected if they reside in multi-storey buildings. Why has the government removed the height restriction?'' said an activist. 
    Mhada vice-president Satish Gavai said livelihoods would be taken care of when approving layouts. "Being the nodal agency for DRP, layout plans require our nod,'' said Gavai. 
    The decision has given a major impetus to expedite implementation of the Rs 9,000-crore redevelopment of Sector 5 of the Dharavi slum project being redeveloped by Mhada. The agency will float tenders inviting contractors for Sector 5. 
    In May 2011, the government decided to form a special cell of Mhada to undertake the Rs 2,000-crore redevelopment of Dharavi's Sector 5, a 23-hectare sprawl adjoining the Mahim Nature Park.A new consultant will be appointed soon for the sector. The redevelopment of Sector 5 is expected to generate about 5,000 affordable homes for Mhada, which barely has any land bank in Mumbai. 
What The New DCR Says For The Slum 
Eligible slum dwellers will get 269 sq ft carpet area flats 
One can avail of additional area on payment of cost of construction 
FSI of 4 will be provided for redevelopment 
No height restrictions or the number of storeys for rehabilitating slum dwellers 
    A 10-year corpus fund will be set up for maintenance of buildings 
    Transfer fee of approximately Rs 25,000 will be levied to regularise ineligible slum dwellers residing in structures protected under the January 1, 1995, cut off date (This is subject to issuance of final notification of the amendment to the Slums Act, 1971). 
    60,000 families will benefit