Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Mumbai’s Slum Rehabilitation Journey From Settlements To Homes
Mumbai has many communities where families once lived in small, unsafe homes.
Many houses leaked during the monsoon and had shared toilets and drainage problems.
In 1995, the government created the Slum Rehabilitation Authority to help provide better homes.
The goal was to improve housing without forcing people far away from the city.
Developers build free homes for eligible residents and sell other buildings to help pay for them.
The program has faced problems such as stalled projects, long waits and difficult temporary housing arrangements.
Some residents now have private toilets, water and safer homes.
Officials say more than 2.35 lakh rehabilitation homes have been completed in Mumbai.
Mumbai’s Slum Rehabilitation Authority was formed in December 1995 under the Maharashtra Slum Areas Act.
The SRA model provides free rehabilitation homes to eligible residents, funded partly through sale buildings developed by private developers.
The authority manages surveys, permissions, eligibility checks and redevelopment planning across thousands of slum pockets.
Residents have described improvements including private toilets, reliable water, better hygiene and safer spaces for children.
Official figures say more than 2.35 lakh rehabilitation homes have been delivered across Mumbai, with more projects underway.
- Who
- The Slum Rehabilitation Authority, developers, officials and residents of Mumbai’s slum communities.
- What
- A documentary series examines Mumbai’s slum rehabilitation program and its progress, challenges and effects on residents.
- When
- The Slum Rehabilitation Authority was formed in December 1995; the documentary series covers the program’s development to the present.
- Where
- Across Mumbai’s slum settlements and redevelopment projects.
- Why
- To provide eligible slum residents with dignified, permanent housing while addressing poor living conditions and keeping rehabilitation financially viable.
- Authority formed
- December 1995
- Legal basis
- Maharashtra Slum Areas Act
- Housing model
- Developers build free rehabilitation homes and use sale buildings to recover project costs.
- Homes delivered
- More than 2.35 lakh rehabilitation homes, according to official figures.
- Authority responsibilities
- Surveys, permissions, eligibility verification and redevelopment planning.
- Reported resident benefits
- Proper toilets, water, improved hygiene, safer spaces and greater family security.
- Documentary focus
- The growth of SRA, redevelopment challenges, transit struggles and rehabilitation outcomes.