The redevelopment process of Shivshakti Nagar slum in Colaba-Cuffe Parade has sparked concerns among residents, with allegations of a lack of transparency and confusion over the developer involved in the project.
The redevelopment initiative, being carried out under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), has begun with a biometric survey of houses in the area. However, residents have raised objections over promotional banners offering financial incentives, claiming that the developer behind them has not directly interacted with the community.
Residents alleged that the developer is attempting to attract people by highlighting monetary benefits through banners while remaining absent from discussions. They also claimed that no formal meetings have been conducted so far, creating uncertainty among residents regarding the redevelopment process and the future location of their rehabilitation homes.
The banners have not clarified where residents will be provided replacement housing after redevelopment. Locals have demanded that the new homes should be constructed at the same location and have urged the SRA authorities to consider their request.
Social worker Santosh Pawar has also demanded that the biometric survey process be stopped until greater clarity is provided to residents.
Residents have questioned whether mandatory procedures, including approval through a general body meeting, consent from members and completion of legal formalities, have been followed before initiating redevelopment-related activities. They alleged that the lack of information regarding developer appointment, member consent, purpose of the biometric survey and permissions from relevant authorities has made the process unclear.
A resident said the area consists of five major settlements — Shivshakti Nagar, Sagar Residents’ Association, Garib Janata Nagar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Nagar and No. 5 Garib Janata Nagar — with around 1,250 residents living there.
Resident Khalid Ansari expressed concerns over the developer’s credibility and said, “We have 5 big slums here. Shivshakti Nagar, Sagar Residents’ Association, Garib Janata Nagar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Nagar and No. 5 Garib Janata Nagar, where 1250 residents are living. Veniceco Builder is new. He has not made a proper agreement with the residents.”
“No project has been built till date. The developer does not have any money. If the project is sold tomorrow and we leave, we will have to come out on the streets, so we will not go with that developer. We will go with another suitable builder,” Ansari added.
Residents have demanded more clarity and participation before proceeding further with the redevelopment process.
Source: Pudhari
