January 6, 2026: As plans for a large memorial and public institute in Chirag Nagar, Ghatkopar, paper advance, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has reiterated that residents will not be forcibly evicted, even as opposition continues and redevelopment remains on hold. Officials maintain that relocation will take place only with the consent of residents, despite the project being classified as a Vital Project and backed by a government resolution for funding.
According to information accessed by mid-day, the redevelopment blueprint is ready for execution once the land is vacated. The project involves the complete relocation of the existing settlement to facilitate two public developments to be implemented in phases. The first phase includes a walk-through memorial dedicated to writer and social activist Anna Bhau Sathe, who lived in the area for a significant part of his life.
An SRA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said large-scale construction is restricted due to the site’s sensitive location. “High-rise construction is not possible because the Navy depot lies across Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg and the area also falls within the funnel zone of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport,” the official said.
Taking these limitations into account, the plan proposes preserving Sathe’s house and creating a landscaped memorial garden around it, replacing several existing homes. On the LBS Marg side, authorities propose the Sahitya Ratna Anna Bhau Sathe Research and Training Institute, which would provide free coaching for competitive examinations to local children and include a digital library open to the public.
Despite offers of nearby permanent rehabilitation housing, many residents continue to oppose relocation. Under current policy, only ground-floor occupants qualify for rehabilitation homes, while families on upper floors are considered ineligible, a criterion officials say is fuelling resistance. Some residents also fear being allotted smaller homes.
There are additional concerns that the land could eventually be transferred to private developers. On ongoing land litigation, SRA officials said any compensation would be deposited with the court until the dispute is resolved.
While residents insist they do not wish to move, officials claim nearly 90% are willing to relocate but are reluctant to express this openly due to local pressure.
Source: Mid-day
