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Maharashtra

Dharavi Redevelopment Project: 25,000 Tenements Surveyed So Far, Despite Challenges Posed By Elections & Prolonged Monsoon

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Mumbai: The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has completed the survey of over 25,000 tenements out of a total of 60,000 despite challenges posed by two elections and a prolonged monsoon. Officials said that the survey holds monumental significance, and is the single most critical step towards a swift and successful execution of this ambitious plan, which aims to transform Dharavi into a modern, liveable community while ensuring that no resident is displaced.

Officials added that a project of this scale and magnitude cannot move forward without an accurate and comprehensive survey. As per project representatives, “The survey is a complex operation requiring meticulous effort and coordination. It begins with teams conducting land reconnaissance, followed by the organised numbering of tenements. Advanced Lidar mapping technology is then utilised to capture the area’s layout. Once the base map is validated, the most critical phase begins: door-to-door verification. Every tenement is assigned a unique identification code based on a predetermined system.”

Statement Of A Senior Official Of The Project

A senior official of the project said that over 50 dedicated teams are deployed daily across Dharavi’s five sectors and 34 zones. “On an average day, 300 to 400 tenements are numbered, and 200 to 250 homes are verified. Despite major challenges, over 25,000 tenements have been numbered since mid-March this year. This achievement reflects the relentless dedication of the field teams,” the official added.

According to a source within the DRP-SRA, a significant number of tenements still need to be surveyed before the state government can finalise decisions regarding the eligibility and ineligibility of Dharavi’s residents.

“The survey is not just a bureaucratic formality,” said the source. “It is a gateway to better lives for every resident of Dharavi. By cooperating with the teams, Dharavikars can ensure their inclusion in the redevelopment process, which guarantees eligibility for new homes equipped with modern amenities. It is essential for Dharavikars to step forward and actively participate to speed up the survey’s completion.”

Additional Teams To Be Deployed Soon

Additional teams are to be deployed soon to expedite what is undoubtedly Asia’s largest slum survey initiative. The vision of the redevelopment project is to provide Dharavikars with private kitchens, toilets, uninterrupted water and electricity, and a healthier, greener environment. Wider roads, open spaces, modern healthcare facilities, and better infrastructure are all part of this vision, which begins with the survey.

“While obstacles such as political interference and vested interests have repeatedly threatened to delay progress, the collective will of Dharavikars can overcome these challenges. By and large, Dharavi’s residents have cooperated with the survey teams, but we urge even greater cooperation and a more proactive approach. Completing the survey quickly will mark the beginning of a transformative journey,” the source added.

Notably, residents of upper floor structures and those who moved to Dharavi between Jan 1, 2011 and Nov 15, 2022, will be offered rented accommodation with the option of hire-purchase outside the Dharavi Notified Area (DNA). They will be rehabilitated in modern townships featuring open spaces, wide roads, schools, healthcare facilities, public transport access, and other social infrastructure. The state government will determine and collect the rent and hire-purchase costs.

Crime

Mumbai Crime: 26-Year-Old Man Arrested For Sexually Assaulting 10-Yr-Old Boy In Lower Parel Railway Yard

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Mumbai: The Churchgate Police have arrested a 26-year-old man under the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) for allegedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old boy in the Lower Parel railway yard area on January 31. The accused is currently in police custody.

According to the Government Railway Police (GRP), the incident occurred on January 31 between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM. The accused, a native of Madhya Pradesh, is unemployed and lives on footpaths in Mumbai. He has a criminal history, with several cases of theft registered against him at various police stations.

The investigation revealed that the accused lured the boy by promising him Rs.10,000 for watching a bag. He told him that his bag was stuck in the local train. He took the boy from Churchgate on a local train and alighted at Lower Parel. There, he led the boy inside the yard to a parked train and sexually assaulted him before fleeing.

The victim was found crying by the Mumbai Central Railway Police, who then traced his mother. The boy’s family resides on a railway platform. A case was registered and transferred to the Churchgate Railway Police Station.

Using CCTV footage and human intelligence, the police arrested the accused. The Churchgate Railway Police have registered a POCSO case against him. The boy is in the 3rd standard. 

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Crime

Mumbai Police’s Anti-Narcotics Team Attacked By Suspected Drug Traffickers In Navi Mumbai; Several Injured

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Navi Mumbai: In a shocking incident, the anti-narcotics team of the Mumbai Police was attacked by suspected drug traffickers during an operation in the Ulva area of Navi Mumbai last week. The incident occurred when the team conducted a raid in the Ulva locality while tracking suspects linked to a drug trafficking case who were located near Shagun Chowk.

When officers attempted to arrest them, the accused allegedly launched a violent attack on the police team using sharp weapons, including choppers, swords, hockey sticks and a village axe. In the attack, Assistant Police Inspector Kiran Mandhare of RCF Police Station was injured in the attack. Other police personnel, including Firoz Siddiqui, Ahmed Raza Qureshi and Atul Jaisawal, also sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment.

Following the attack, the senior police inspector at the Ulva Police station immediately sent a team of police for help. Moreover, a case has also been registered against all eight accused.

The report also stated that the Mumbai Police team did not seek help from the local police station before conducting the raid and had not informed the Navi Mumbai Police in advance about the operation.

Earlier In January 2026, three men were taken into custody for allegedly arguing with and assaulting traffic police personnel during a vehicle-checking drive at a naka bandi in Panvel on New Year’s Eve, leaving a traffic constable injured.

The incident took place around 2.30 am on December 31 at Shivshambho Naka, where traffic police had intensified checks as part of security arrangements for New Year celebrations.

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Maharashtra

BMC Announces Strict Sanitation Fines In Mumbai: ₹250 Fine For Spitting, ₹500 For Littering & ₹25,000 For Transporting Garbage Without License

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The Mumbai Municipal Corporation has stepped up efforts to improve cleanliness and sanitation across the city by intensifying awareness around solid waste management rules and imposing penalties for violations. The move is part of a broader push to ensure cleaner public spaces and better waste handling practices across residential, commercial and public areas.

The civic body is creating awareness about regulations related to waste generators, establishments, waste service providers and solid waste processing. These rules govern the storage, segregation, transportation, and disposal of waste. Officials have made it clear that strict penalty action will be taken against citizens and establishments that fail to comply.

Under the revised enforcement, fines have been specified for common violations. A penalty of Rs 250 will be imposed for spitting in public places. Dumping garbage will attract a fine of Rs 500, while failure to segregate wet and dry waste will result in a fine of Rs 200. Transporting garbage without a valid licence will invite a penalty of Rs 25,000.

As per the directions of Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, regular action is being taken to maintain cleanliness within municipal limits. Additional Municipal Commissioner City Ashwini Joshi, under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Solid Waste Management Kiran Dighavkar, said continuous efforts are being made to strengthen solid waste management systems in the city.

Special cleanliness drives and activities are also being organised from time to time to reinforce these measures.

The bylaws will apply to all waste generators and to public and private places. This includes residential buildings, business and commercial establishments, professional and industrial premises, government and semi-government offices, educational institutions, religious places, recreational spaces and all other areas of public use.

The focus of the rules is on preventing littering and nuisance, ensuring clean premises and mandatory segregation of solid waste at source.

The regulations lay down detailed responsibilities regarding storage and collection of municipal solid waste, duties of producers, municipal authorities, representatives and contractors, and the handling of material recovery facilities. They also cover biomedical waste, e-waste, construction and demolition debris and plastic waste.

Additional fines have been announced for specific offences. Throwing garbage on roads, footpaths, gardens or public places will attract a fine of Rs 500. Bathing in public places will result in a fine of Rs 300. Urinating or defecating in public places will attract a fine of Rs 500 each. Feeding animals or birds in public spaces will also invite a fine of Rs 500.

Failure to keep courtyards or premises clean can result in fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500.

Dr Ashwini Joshi appealed to citizens and establishments to strictly follow the bylaws and cooperate with the municipal corporation in keeping Mumbai cleaner and more beautiful.

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