Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has instructed the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for rehabilitating families living in hutments along the railway corridor between Kurla and Trombay in Mumbai. The direction comes after railway authorities issued eviction notices to residents, raising concerns over their future accommodation.
Shinde has also approached Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking the Centre’s intervention in the matter. The issue was discussed during a meeting attended by elected representatives and senior officials, covering the stretch from Chikhaliwadi and the Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers headquarters area to Mahul.
Residents reportedly received eviction notices around two months ago, without being informed of a definite rehabilitation arrangement. Shiv Sena MLA Mangesh Kudalkar brought the matter to Shinde’s attention, prompting the meeting. The Deputy Chief Minister noted that the notices had created uncertainty among families, some of whom have resided in the area for more than 15 years.
The SRA has been asked to work with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other relevant departments to formulate a rehabilitation proposal. Officials have also been instructed to ensure that the process is managed carefully to prevent any law-and-order complications. Details regarding the number of eligible households, proposed housing locations, project expenditure and execution timeline are yet to be finalised.
The matter is linked to legal proceedings involving unauthorised structures within the railway safety zone. The Bombay High Court has permitted railway authorities to take action against encroachments while directing them to follow the prescribed rehabilitation procedure for eligible occupants. Nearly 3,762 hutments have been identified along the corridor. The court has also asked authorities to examine rehabilitation alternatives and extend interim financial assistance to affected families for six months.
The latest move is expected to bring the state government, SRA, BMC and railway authorities together to determine the next steps.
The meeting also addressed the proposed redevelopment of a BMC employees’ chawl at Khardev Nagar in Chembur East, along with housing societies belonging to municipal employees in the Chembur Assembly constituency. Shinde said the government would examine introducing a new policy on premiums levied for redevelopment of these societies.
Source: Prop News Time
