A long-delayed redevelopment project in Goregaon’s Siddharth Nagar has reached a critical stage, with residents of Patra Chawl refusing to accept newly allotted rehabilitation flats, citing safety concerns, incomplete work, and legal ambiguities. The project, which began in 2008 and was later taken over by MHADA in 2018, has triggered a 21-day indefinite chain hunger strike involving women, senior citizens, and young residents.
The protest continues even as MHADA initiated flat allotments on March 10 following clearance from the Bombay High Court. However, residents allege that the buildings are not ready for occupation, pointing to visible structural issues such as falling plaster, leakages, damaged flooring, and substandard materials.
Shaila Vyas, 64, resident, said, “The doors are low quality, the walls are hollow, and plaster is already falling. If this is the condition before we move in, what will happen after?”
A major point of contention is the absence of key legal documents. Residents claim they have not received the final Permanent Alternate Accommodation Agreement (PAAA) or a duly executed Development Agreement (DA). Suresh Vichare, 48, residents, said, “Without these, how can we move in? Yet MHADA is forcing us to take possession.”
The prolonged delay has also taken a personal toll. Gauri Bhandari, 19 residents, said, “I was one year old when we vacated. I am 19 now, and it’s still not complete,” adding, “We saw leakages, broken doors and damaged tiles during inspection. How are we supposed to live there?” She further questioned the safety clearance, “Plaster has fallen from C-wing and F-wing. A chunk fell from the 11th floor. How can this get an ‘okay report’ by VJTI?”
Senior resident Dilip Mehta, 78, who has lived in Patra Chawl since 1948, said, “The land belongs to the residents. This chawl has existed since 1944. MHADA is trying to dupe us. The construction is poor, and parts are already falling off.”
Mumbai North West MP Ravindra Waikar has written to MHADA CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal, highlighting issues including missing agreements, lack of amenities, and delayed rent compensation.
Responding to the allegations, MHADA Vice President and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal said the draft PAAA has been approved and flats have been ready for nearly a year, adding that “A few residents” are opposing the process. On safety concerns, he said, “Find out what the actual reason is.”
For protesting residents, the demand remains clear—rectify defects, complete legal formalities, and ensure safety before handing over possession.
Source: Mid-day
