Transformation of Dharavi a colossal challenge

MY first tryst with Dharavi was in the late 1970s. New to Mumbai, I was just another youngster lured to the big city by opportunity and my own optimism that I would sparkle in the diamond trade.

- GAUTAM ADANI

Even back then, Dharavi was a melting pot of a diverse array of beliefs, cultures and languages from every part of India. I was mesmerized by the industrious chaos that I saw in Dharavi's alleys, where just about every Indian language seemed to echo with equal urgency. But there was order in that chaos, seemingly provided by the soul of Dharavi. I could never define it but felt it very strongly.

That visit to Dharavi was both humbling and disturbing. The community's struggle for survival, laced with equanimity and happiness, inspired me.

Against this backdrop, when this opportunity to renew Dharavi came calling, I seized it with both hands. I eagerly wanted to do it as it had a huge personal connection with my first impression of Mumbai. Perhaps, it was because of this overzealousness that our bid was 2.5 times the next highest.

As we embark on this completely uncharted journey, I am aware of the colossal challenges ahead. Dharavi is a unique project in a league of its own for three reasons:

First, it is one of the world's largest urban resettlement and regeneration projects. Approximately a million people will be rehabilitated and resettled.