Locals, officials credit Maharashta government for Dharavi bids

In a not-so-usual scenario, both, officials and locals agree that the government’s active participation in Dharavi’s redevelopment has yielded positive results. However, the citizens expect more. With the government’s involvement, they say, the work will surely be better. 

On Wednesday, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project opened the two bids they had received for the redevelopment of one of the world’s biggest slums. The two bids belonged to Adani Infrastructure and a Dubai-based company named SecLink, along with its consortium. 

After the opening of the bids, SVR Srinivas, CEO, Dharavi Redevelopment Project, told DNA that not only the two responses that Dharavi Redevelopment received was one of the most positive steps, but also the government’s active participation had a lot to do with this response. 

When asked about how he sees the response, CM Devendra Fadanvis said, “I am very very hopeful.”

However, while the locals acknowledge the feat, they expect more. The state had earlier announced that it will float a Special Purpose Vehicle for the redevelopment where the lead partner will have 80 per cent equity (Rs 400 crore) while the government will hold 20 per cent equity (Rs 100 crore). This one move, many claim, has helped instil confidence amongst the private players and residents too.

STATE'S FEAT

After the opening of the bids, CEO of Dharavi Redevelopment Project said also the government’s active participation had a lot to do with this response