Pune-based NGO, Mashal, is to conduct GIS-based biometric socio-economic survey in Dharavi, for the first time. Based on natural and topographical divisions, Dharavi has been divided into 12 segments. Around 25 teams are being deployed to carry out the survey. Officials say it is important to conduct a biometric survey and fingerprints of slum dwellers scientifically stored so that ineligible persons do not lay claim to free flats. Media reports say the Dharavi Rehabilitation Project may fine-tune the survey to image retinas so that there is no scope for bogus allotments and resales. In other schemes, slum dwellers have resold flats to squat elsewhere. It will also prevent builders from creating bogus tenants to sell more flats. The centre also wants a database on these lines before approving urban projects. The socio-economic survey is expected to examine health conditions, demographic profiles, income sources, educational status and other parameters.

Experts are critical of the biometric survey, which they say is humiliating. "It is an insult to the poor, taking their fingerprints and retina tests for identification when there are voter IDs or ration cards. Nobody in richer classes is subjected to such treatment. Why them?' asks Kshitij Urs of ActionAid, Bangalore.