"These" Dharavi residents will get houses on rent within Mumbai

The Dharavi residents are set to enjoy maintenance-free housing for 10 years. The responsibility for maintaining the housing cooperative societies during this period will rest solely with the developer.

To make sure of long-term sustainability, the Maharashtra government has proposed allocating 10 percent of the total construction area for commercial spaces. The income generated from these spaces will help societies manage maintenance costs after the 10 year period. 

Furthermore, the government has announced special provisions for residents who owned ground floor tenements before November 15, 2022. These individuals will be provided 300-square-foot apartments in other parts of Mumbai. These flats will be available on a hire-purchase basis. The owners will need to pay a small monthly rent for 25 years, after which they will gain ownership of the apartments. 

The redevelopment plan also addresses the status of upper-floor tenement owners. Usually, such residents are excluded from rehabilitation projects due to their tenements being deemed illegal. However, a government resolution released on October 4 makes exceptions for Dharavi residents. 

Those who can prove ownership of upper floor tenements before November 15, 2022, will also be eligible for relocation. These residents can either pay a nominal rent for 25 years or opt for a one-time payment to secure ownership of their apartments. 

For other slum rehabilitation projects in Mumbai, the eligibility cutoff date is January 1, 2000. Residents who moved into tenements after this date must pay INR 2.5 lakh in advance to qualify for rehabilitation. However, Dharavi residents are exempt from the advance payment requirement. 

The state government is yet to decide the exact rental amounts and purchase prices for the flats.

In addition to maintenance benefits, the developer will deposit a legally mandated corpus fund for each apartment owner with the relevant authority. This fund will act as financial security for the society. 

Across India, flat owners are generally required to pay fixed service charges for society upkeep. This rule also applies to MHADA buildings. Under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, residents are exempt from such charges for life.