December 17, 2025: The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has entered a decisive phase as the first groups of residents begin vacating their decades-old homes, marking a major transition for one of Asia’s largest informal settlements. Eviction notices have been issued in parts of Meghwadi in Matunga and Shatabdi Nagar in Sion, covering a combined area of 620.82 acres under the Rs 2.5-lakh-crore redevelopment programme being implemented by Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL), led by Gautam Adani.
In a statement, DRP CEO Mahendra Kalyankar said residents would be relocated in a “humane and dignified manner”. Addressing the notices served to around 42 residents of Ganesh Nagar in Meghwadi, located on railway land, he explained, “Dharavi is such a densely populated slum that there is hardly any space. So, unless a small number of residents are temporarily shifted, no space can be created to begin construction… This is being done as per the provisions of law.”
On the ground in Meghwadi, however, apprehension runs high. Residents allege a lack of clarity around timelines, amenities, and rehabilitation terms. Community representative Bipin Padaya said over 150 tenements exist in the area, with only 42 receiving notices so far. “They want space to lay sewage lines,” he said, questioning the urgency of relocation at this stage. He also raised concerns over the promised 350 sq ft rehabilitation homes and the adequacy of the monthly rental compensation.
In contrast, sentiment in Shatabdi Nagar, Sion, is more optimistic. About 301 tenements are already shifting to nearby MHADA transit buildings, with another 350 expected to follow. Social worker Roshan Shaikh said, “We are at least moving out of this place where there are a multitude of problems, such as drug-peddling, lack of sanitation, mosquitoes, and blacklisting by certain companies.”
While residents have flagged issues related to privacy and safety in transit homes, officials say temporary relocation is essential to accelerate construction. NMDPL has stated that it aims to deliver nearly 1,25,000 permanent homes within seven years, signalling a transformation that could redefine Dharavi’s urban future.
Source: Hindustan Times
