Mumbai: On December 16th, Adani Group released an official statement addressing the redevelopment project of Mumbai's Dharavi slum. The group emphasized that the project was awarded through a fair and internationally competitive bidding process, with tender conditions finalized during the MVA government's tenure.

The company's response came after a protest led by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, alleging favoritism toward Adani Group in the Dharavi redevelopment project. Adani Group expressed disappointment at the "concerted effort" to spread misinformation about the project.

The statement clarified that the final conditions, known to all bidders, remained unchanged for the awardee post-tendering, rejecting claims of special benefits. Adani Group reiterated the commitment to relocate all eligible tenement holders within Dharavi, providing accommodations under the Rental Housing Policy even for ineligible tenement holders. Tender provisions ensure eligible residential tenements receive 17% more area than other SRA projects in Mumbai.

During the protest, Uddhav Thackeray alleged TDR irregularities exceeding Rs 100 crore, describing it as the "biggest scam in the world." Adani Group countered, asserting that TDR issues do not affect Dharavi residents' resettlement. TDR from the project will be transparently managed through a specially created portal by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and the Government of Maharashtra.

CM Eknath Shinde defended the project and criticized Thackeray for stalling earlier projects during his tenure. The Maharashtra government officially awarded the Dharavi Redevelopment project to an Adani group firm in July, spanning 259 hectares.

The government's 99-year lease agreement with Indian Railways, followed by sub-leasing on a 30 years+30 years basis to housing societies, remains consistent for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. The official release, issued through the Spokesperson of Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Ltd (DRPPL), stressed the need for support from all stakeholders, including political parties, for the transformational project. In August 2023, the Maharashtra government filed an affidavit in the Bombay High Court, asserting the transparency of the tender process and denying undue favor to Adani Group.

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