Various sources have informed JOID that sensing the potency and prudence of Dharavi Bachao Andolan, they are planning something new, and in that direction, Adani’s company NDMPL, has put up posters announcing the final date of surveys. These posters are utterly confusing and vague, which has created huge tension among the inhabitants. This is the 5th poster in a row and on the survey, and the date has been changed 4 times before, but people are not taking part in the survey. Dharavi Save Movement has been appeaing to the residents since the beginning and again thay have asured that there is no reason to be afraid and assured them that no illegal surveys will be conducted unless their demand for the GR (Government Resolution) to ensure that all Dharavi residents are provided with 500 square feet of house, shop, and business in Dharavi is fulfilled.
A discussion took place in a meeting of the DBA that was chaired by Comrade Raju Korde on August 3rd, at 3 PM. During the meeting, Comrade Nasirul Haque presented the topic, mentioning that on August 2nd, he met with MP Varsha Gaikwad to discuss the Dharavi issue. He informed Varsha that a delegation from the DBA wants to meet with Rahul Gandhi Ji in Delhi and submit a memorandum on behalf of the people of Dharavi regarding the Dharavi redevelopment. Varsha agreed on the proposal and assured that she will also be present at this meeting with Rahul Gandhi. She also expressed her continued support for all movements against Adani in Dharavi and assured her active participation in future joint movements.
Later that day at 3 PM, DBA representatives met MP Anil Desai at Shiv Sena Bhavan to discuss the matter. After being briefed, Desai assured them that, given the ongoing Parliament session, he, along with Varsha Tai and Sanjay Raut Saheb, would work to arrange a meeting with Rahul Gandhi. Once the appointment is scheduled, the delegation will be notified and will proceed to Delhi to present the memorandum, ensuring the issue receives strong attention in Parliament.
A few days back, a delegation from the DBA had also met with Sanjay Raut to inform him about the issue.
During the meeting, it was agreed that as soon as the date and time for the meeting with Rahul Gandhi is confirmed, the DBA delegation will travel to Delhi.
Kiran Palwan stated that multiple requests have been submitted seeking an appointment with the Chief Minister. The residents of Kurla are determined to preserve the Madar Dairy Jungle and oppose its allocation to the Dharavi redevelopment project. They envision developing a botanical garden in that space instead. Despite this, the authorities appear to be prioritizing Adani’s agenda and have shown no willingness to engage with Kurla locals. As a response, it has been resolved to hold a ‘Nivedan Pad Yatra’ on August 7, 2025, beginning at 8 AM from Madar Dairy. Residents of Dharavi are also expected to join the march at Sion Circle.
The DBA has formally written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, seeking a meeting to address concerns surrounding the Dharavi redevelopment. However, no response has been received so far. It was decided that a follow-up would be pursued, either by reiterating the request or sending a fresh letter. The delegation also cautioned that if the voices of the people continue to be ignored, the movement may escalate into a complete bandh in Dharavi or a blockade of major roads in the area.
A delegation from the DBA is set to visit Delhi to meet key national leaders and submit a memorandum urging them to raise the Dharavi redevelopment issue in Parliament. The leaders scheduled to be approached include: Shri Rahul Gandhi (Leader of the Opposition), Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena), Akhilesh Yadav (Leader, Samajwadi Party), D. Raja (General Secretary, CPI), M.A. Baby (General Secretary, CPI(M)), Manoj Jha (MP, Rashtriya Janata Dal), Sanjay Singh (MP, Aam Aadmi Party), Supriya Sule (MP, NCP – Sharad Pawar faction), Representatives from the TMC, DMK, and other INDIA alliance constituents.
The objective of the delegation is to ensure that the voice of Dharavi’s people is echoed powerfully in Parliament. Their key demands include:
Every eligible resident must be provided with a minimum of 500 sq. ft. of housing within Dharavi itself.
All existing businesses, shops, and industrial units should be retained and integrated into the redevelopment through the declaration of an economic zone in the area.
No resident, entrepreneur, or worker should be excluded from the redevelopment process.
The provision of essential infrastructure such as schools, colleges, hospitals, and other civic amenities must be a priority.
The focus of the redevelopment must be on the upliftment of the local population, not on catering to corporate interests.
In the event that Adani Group fails to execute the project in a people-centric manner, the government must transfer the redevelopment responsibility to public agencies such as MHADA, MMRDA, or CIDCO.
