Dharavi Redevelopment Project: Drones and LiDAR Transform Urban Renewal in Asia’s Largest Slum

Dharavi Redevelopment Project employs drones, LiDAR, and mobile apps to map Asia’s largest slum, ensuring transparency and efficient rehabilitation.

Modern Technologies Revolutionize Dharavi Redevelopment

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) in Mumbai is setting a benchmark for slum rehabilitation in India by leveraging advanced technologies. For the first time in the country, drones and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology are being employed to map the sprawling 620-acre slum. This innovative approach aims to enhance accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in a project of such massive scale and complexity.

The Adani Group, holding an 80% stake in the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd in partnership with the Maharashtra state government, envisions transforming Dharavi into a modern urban hub. The project will provide approximately 7 lakh residents, currently living in dilapidated conditions, with free flats measuring up to 350 square feet.

Traditionally, slum rehabilitation relied on manual surveys and basic tools. However, this project has adopted cutting-edge digital methods, including drones, LiDAR, and mobile applications, to collect and analyze data, ensuring precise documentation of the area and its residents.

LiDAR and Drones: Mapping Dharavi’s Dense Terrain

LiDAR, an advanced remote sensing technology, plays a key role in capturing detailed 3D representations of Dharavi’s congested streets and structures. Portable systems, like backpack-mounted LiDAR scanners, navigate narrow lanes, while drones provide aerial imagery for an overhead perspective. Together, these technologies create a “digital twin” of Dharavi — a virtual replica that aids in decision-making and data analysis.

This digital twin is crucial for identifying eligible beneficiaries and resolving disputes efficiently. Officials note that approximately 7 lakh residents meet the eligibility criteria, which requires proof of residence before January 1, 2000.

Efforts to Address Resident Concerns

The DRP-Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) is conducting extensive outreach to address fears of fraud or data misuse among Dharavi’s residents. Initiatives include distributing informational pamphlets, holding community meetings, and setting up call centers to explain the survey process.

Field teams equipped with mobile applications collect door-to-door data, ensuring accuracy and minimizing errors. Residents are assisted with documentation and receive acknowledgment slips once their details are verified. For those unable to provide necessary documents during the survey, guidance is offered to help retrieve them, ensuring their inclusion in the process.

Transforming Dharavi: A Vision for Affordable Housing

The Maharashtra government has approved the acquisition of 256 acres of salt-pan land for constructing affordable housing under the project. The redevelopment aims to rehouse eligible residents within Dharavi or relocate them to alternative housing.

By integrating technology and community-focused initiatives, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is setting a precedent for urban renewal in India. With its ambitious plans and modern tools, this project aspires to bring transformative change to one of Asia’s largest and most densely populated slums.