Mumbai: The state's ambitious Dharavi slum redevelopment project is having starting trouble. In the latest development, sources reveal, companies which had initially shown interest in the housing project are now full of misgivings as they feel they may be taking on more than they can handle and want to back out. Apart from this, the state is yet to obtain clearances from different authorities before issuing the letter of intent. The designated project spot falls under the 'funnel' zone and therefore, approval from the airport authority is a must, but this is yet to be obtained. As a result, the state is unable to award the contract to either of the two final bidders, though six months have passed.
The Adani Group and the Dubai-based Seclink Group were the two bidders that had evinced interest in this project. Of the two, Seclink appeared to be the highest bidder and was supposed to get this contract. The state had called global tenders in November and December 28, 2018, was the initial deadline for submitting bids. This was, however, extended to January 15. Interestingly, there were eight contenders for the project but six of them backed out, intimidated by the complexity of the project.
Moreover, sources say, the final bidder will have to undertake the daunting task of obtaining the consent of all the residents, as it entails getting involved with various slum societies and taking into consideration their expectations and suggestions. Ideally the project should have been divided into small clusters, as had been decided previously, sources feel. This would have helped favourably swing the opinion of those slumdwellers opposed to the redevelopment.
