3.1.3 1981 and After

During the late 19th century, the conditions of Dharavi started to worsen as migrants kept coming and there wasn't sufficient infrastructure or space. After 1981, the government later proposed four different slum development projects in a certain period of time. In 1985, the prime minister of India earmarked INR 100 crores (US$ 80 million in 1985) for the housing and infrastructure development of Bombay (now Mumbai), while one third was reserved for Dharavi. Prime Minister's Grant Project (PMGP) began in 1987, and then Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) allocated the development work of Dharavi to the Special Planning Authority (SPA). Slum Rehabilitation Scheme was introduced to provide free houses to slum dwellers, and over 85 buildings were constructed in Dharavi up to 2004. But in most scenarios, the Transferred Development Rights (TDR) (see definition below) were sold outside Dharavi, which were generated from the project. "Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) is a voluntary, incentive-based program that allows landowners to sell development rights from their land to a developer or other interested party who can use these rights to increase the density of development at another designated location. While the seller of development rights still owns the land and can continue using it, an easement is placed on the property that prevents further development. A TDR program protects land resources at the same time providing additional income to both the landowner and the holder of the development" (Planning Implementation Tools Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), n.d.). The Dharavi Redevelopment Plan was accepted by the government of Maharashtra in 2004. The proposed plan aims to divide the Dharavi into five different sectors and provide free housing and required infrastructure to eligible slum dwellers. A design bid was organised while inviting national and international competitors for the project. In terms of concessions, bidders(contractors) will get the extra built-up area to fund the project by exploiting the value of the land. This will be illustrated in detail in the forthcoming chapter.