The committee of experts, originally vocal opponents of the project, was appointed to incorporate various stakeholders’ ideas on the physical and socio-economic design of Dharavi’s redevelopment into the project.

Was it in their mandate to assess the performance of the project management consultant? “It is not specifically in our terms of reference,” admitted Sukhthankar, adding that the members believed they should state their opinion and advise the government in the interest of the project. Their letter also mentions the “colossal fee of over Rs 100 crore” being paid to Mehta and an alleged conflict of interests posed by Mehta’s earlier role as a developer.

For his part, Mehta said he is not aware of such a letter. “If such allegations have indeed been made, they are merit-less and irresponsible,” he said, adding that he would not like to discuss the allegations right now. Though a copy of the letter was marked to Officer on Special Duty for the project and vice-president of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority Gautam Chatterjee, he was unavailable for comment.

Government officials are hotly denying that this is a clash of personalities taking precedence over the smooth execution of an already delayed project, but admit that a compromise formula could be thrashed out. In the meantime, the fate of the plan to turn a sprawling shantytown in the heart of Mumbai into an integrated commercial and residential township hangs in balance.