The Maharashtra government is planning to shift over 50,000 Dharavi residents to a plot near Mumbai’s Deonar landfill as part of the Adani-led redevelopment project, raising serious environmental and health concerns.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project aims to transform 296 acres of slum cluster into a modern township. The project is led by the Adani group through a special purpose vehicle formed with the Maharashtra government, according to the Indian Express.
To clear the redevelopment zone, the government has proposed relocating more than 50,000 people to a 124-acre site adjacent to the Deonar dumping ground, which is one of Mumbai’s oldest and still active landfills.
According to a 2024 Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB ) report cited by the Indian Express, the Deonar site emits over 6,200 kg of methane every hour, making it one of the biggest methane hotspots in the country.
Established in 1927, the Deonar landfill is known for its high methane emissions . The Indian Express reports that it continues to function as a dumping site, raising red flags over its suitability for residential rehabilitation.
Residents of Govandi near Deonar have reported high TB cases. Locals say nearly every home has someone affected, linking it to pollution from the landfill and biomedical waste.
CPCB guidelines currently ban housing within 100 meters of active landfills. New rules replacing the existing ones will come into effect from April 1, 2026. These are expected to tighten environmental restrictions further.
The state told the High Court that no other land in Mumbai is available for large-scale rehabilitation. The Urban Development Department approved the Deonar site to relocate Dharavi residents.
The state has approved the land transfer to the Adani-led entity, but the project is awaiting environmental clearances. The report mentions that construction timelines remain uncertain and the Adani Group has not yet commented publicly.
