Dharavi Redevelopment Project Denies Illegal Evictions At Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi, Says Due Process Was Followed
· Free Press Journal
Mumbai: The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) under the Slum Redevelopment Project (SRA) has rejected allegations that residents of Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi were evicted without prior notice, asserting that the demolition drive carried out on August 6 followed all statutory procedures, including public notices, individual eviction notices and hearings for objectors.
Residents Were Given Multiple Opportunities To Relocate: DRP
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In an official statement issued on Friday, the DRP said the action was undertaken only after repeated opportunities were given to residents to voluntarily relocate as part of the rehabilitation process linked to the redevelopment of railway land.
According to the DRP, the rehabilitation process began with a public notice issued in April 2026, requesting residents of Sector 6 to execute rental agreements and vacate their premises to avoid inconvenience during the monsoon. This was followed by individual vacation notices to all concerned occupants.
The agency said hearings for residents who raised objections were conducted on July 6 and July 13, while demolition notices were displayed on July 28. The demolition exercise was carried out only after repeated non-compliance despite completion of all legal formalities, it added.
Hearings Held Before Demolition Drive
The DRP said that of the 16 identified hutments, 12 occupants vacated voluntarily after counselling and communication. Only four structures had to be removed with police assistance after the occupants repeatedly declined to comply with the notices.
Officials said clearing these structures was necessary to facilitate critical railway and public infrastructure works, adding that the work is a prerequisite for beginning rehabilitation construction on the Mahim and Matunga railway lands.
DRP Details Rehabilitation Package
The agency maintained that rehabilitation in Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi has been prioritised to protect the rights of eligible residents while ensuring timely execution of infrastructure projects.
The DRP also detailed the rehabilitation package being offered to affected families. It said all displaced families are being provided rental assistance irrespective of whether their eligibility has been finally determined.
Under the package, ground-floor occupants are entitled to Rs 18,000 per month as rent assistance, while upper-floor occupants receive Rs 15,000 per month. Beneficiaries are also provided a one-time shifting allowance of Rs 25,000, one month's brokerage and a 5 per cent annual escalation in rent assistance until permanent rehabilitation housing is allotted.
Bids Invited For ₹4,127-Crore New Bombay High Court Complex In Bandra; Deadline Set For September 16The authority said one year's rent assistance is being released in advance. Under the payment mechanism, three months' rent is paid upon execution of the rental agreement, while the remaining nine months are released after residents vacate the premises and hand over possession. Rent assistance is thereafter credited directly to the head of the household until permanent rehabilitation housing is allotted.
The DRP further stated that residents whose eligibility is yet to be determined are being given adequate opportunity to complete the verification process before the competent government authorities so that eligible beneficiaries are not deprived of rehabilitation benefits.
The clarification comes amid criticism from some residents and activists over the demolition drive at Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi, with the DRP maintaining that the operation was carried out only after exhausting the legal process and ensuring that rehabilitation benefits were made available to affected families.
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