Juy 14, 2025: For over 1,200 families displaced during the Partition of India, the long wait for secure housing is finally nearing its end. The redevelopment of GTB Nagar in Mumbai marks a new beginning for these predominantly Punjabi and Sikh families, who have endured the trauma of displacement twice—first in 1947, and again in 2020 when their buildings were declared unfit and demolished.
Residents of 19 MHADA buildings had lived in precarious conditions for years. In 2020, structural reports confirmed deep cracks and decaying infrastructure, prompting evacuation. Many families were forced to relocate to distant suburbs such as Vashi, Thane, and Panvel, while others struggled with temporary shelters during the COVID-19 lockdown. Redevelopment efforts initially stalled after private builders withdrew mid-process, citing incomplete resident consent, leaving the community in limbo.
Compounding their struggles was the collapse of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative Bank (PMC), where many had invested their life savings. Despite immense emotional and financial stress, the residents organised themselves, secured local political support, and eventually overcame legal and bureaucratic hurdles—including a case in the Supreme Court. Their persistence led to an unprecedented win: permission to redevelop on private land.
Redevelopment began this year with soil testing and drone surveys. Keystone Realtors (a Rustomjee subsidiary) will construct new 635 sq ft homes, with MHADA providing five years of maintenance and the government offering Rs 20,000 monthly rent allowance until completion.
More than just homes, this redevelopment restores dignity and stability to a long-neglected community. With a focus on sustainable building practices and energy efficiency, the project sets a model for inclusive urban renewal. It is a testament to the power of community resilience, and a ray of hope for others facing similar urban housing challenges.
Source: Urban Acres
