Dharavi Redevelopment Project Renamed To Navbharat Mega Developers
Mumbai: The Adani Group has renamed Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), the special purpose vehicle (SPV) responsible for redeveloping Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums, to Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL).
This move has sparked criticism from the Dharavi Bachao Andolan (DBA), a prominent body representing Dharavi’s residents.In a statement, the Adani Group explained that the rebranding aims to reflect its commitment to building a modern, inclusive, and vibrant community.
“This change reflects the company’s fresh outlook and obligation to creating a broader and brighter future for everyone associated with or beneficiary of the gigantic and historic task of rehabilitating slums across the nation,” the statement read.
However, the DBA expressed dissatisfaction with the name change, stating that it alienates the project from Dharavi’s unique identity and history. The organization accused the Adani Group of prioritizing corporate branding over the needs and sentiments of the local residents, many of whom have lived in Dharavi for generations.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, a landmark initiative, aims to transform the densely populated 2.4-square-kilometer slum into a modern urban township with improved housing, sanitation, and infrastructure. The project has faced both optimism for its potential to improve living conditions and skepticism over its implementation and potential displacement of residents.
The DBA has demanded greater transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes. “Renaming the SPV without consulting the people who will be most affected by this redevelopment project demonstrates a lack of respect for the community’s voice,” a DBA spokesperson said.
The Adani Group secured the redevelopment contract in 2023, outbidding global competitors. With this rebranding, the company hopes to emphasize its vision for creating a national model for slum rehabilitation. Despite the criticism, the group reiterated its commitment to ensuring a smooth and beneficial transition for Dharavi’s residents.
The renaming and the broader redevelopment project are expected to remain contentious topics in the months ahead, with calls for balancing modernization efforts and preserving Dharavi’s cultural and social fabric.
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