Mumbai's ambitious Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) is set to receive a significant environmental and urban infrastructure upgrade. Adani Navbharat Developers Private Limited (ANDPL) has announced plans to develop a 3.3-kilometer public waterfront along the Mithi River, aiming to transform a highly polluted stretch into a vibrant public green space.
Mithi Riverfront: A Green Transformation
The proposed Dharavi riverfront project will run concurrently with the broader redevelopment efforts in Dharavi. It envisions a dynamic public space featuring extensive promenades, dedicated cycling tracks, and new parks, alongside comprehensive ecological restoration. This transformative initiative will extend from the Matunga culvert, integrating seamlessly into Dharavi's larger master plan.
Key features of the new waterfront include a 15-meter-wide Green Spine designed for pedestrians and cyclists, which will connect the Mithi River promenade directly with the planned Central Park within Dharavi. The area will boast viewing decks offering vistas of the river, cultural spaces, and cafes, complemented by tree-lined walkways. Officials state that pollution-absorbing native vegetation, permeable pavements, and bioswales are planned to enhance stormwater management, improve groundwater recharge, and bolster the long-term health of the river ecosystem.
Broader Environmental Initiatives in Dharavi
This riverfront development is a crucial component of a comprehensive "green-blue network" under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. Adani Navbharat Developers intends to rejuvenate and plant approximately 40,000 trees across Dharavi in multiple phases. The project also proposes an interconnected system of parks, tree-lined corridors, and various public open spaces. These measures are designed to improve air quality, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and strengthen local biodiversity, ultimately creating cleaner, healthier, and more accessible environments for residents.
Tree Relocation and Compensatory Plantings
The announcement of the Dharavi riverfront project follows the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) permission to remove 1,693 trees for the overall redevelopment, with roughly half slated for transplantation. While nearly 8,000 trees may ultimately be affected as the project progresses, officials have committed to extensive compensatory plantings. Around 2 lakh (200,000) compensatory trees will be planted across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with 30,000 already planted at Chahade village in Palghar. An additional 75,000 trees are targeted for planting during the current monsoon season. Environmental consultancy Terracon has been engaged to oversee scientific plantation, irrigation, maintenance, and survival monitoring for five years.
Integrated Urban Renewal
Rehabilitation housing construction for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is already underway, with residents from Sector 6 being relocated to facilitate new residential buildings. The Mithi River rejuvenation and public waterfront are expected to significantly complement Dharavi's long-term urban renewal, providing essential green infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in one of Mumbai's most densely populated neighborhoods.