August 16, 2025: A 50-member delegation from the Pagdi Ekta Sangh met Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray at Matoshree this week, highlighting the plight of thousands of families living in dilapidated pagdi buildings across Mumbai. Residents warned that the situation had reached “breaking point,” with many pre-1940 ‘A-category’ structures now in hazardous condition.
Cracked walls, leaking roofs and the absence of basic amenities such as toilets, clean water and sanitation have left residents, including elderly citizens and women, living in unsafe and undignified environments. The delegation accused the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) of allowing redevelopment projects to stall, pointing to recent Bombay High Court rulings that curbed MHADA’s powers under Section 79A of the MHADA Act – a key tool for fast-tracking the redevelopment of dangerous C1-category buildings. With the matter currently pending before the Supreme Court, tenants fear further years of uncertainty.
Thackeray assured the group of his backing, stating that he would mobilise party MLAs and MPs to press the government for immediate action. He also pledged to arrange a meeting with MHADA officials to chart a way forward. Senior leader Anil Parab, who was present at the talks, endorsed the residents’ demand to halt evictions until redevelopment work begins.
Mukesh Shah, chairman of the Pagdi Ekta Sangh, confirmed that Thackeray had agreed to attend a “Grand Andolan” protest after the Ganpati festival, where thousands of tenants are expected to march to demand urgent intervention. For now, the Sangh has vowed to continue its campaign for safe housing, redevelopment and protection of over 18 lakh families still living in structurally unsafe pagdi buildings. Activist Jeetendra Ghadge has urged residents to join the movement by giving a missed call on 8433772916 to receive updates.
Source: Mid-day
