Mill workers in Mumbai have stepped up protests against the proposed housing projects at Shelu and Wangani, alleging that the state government and housing authorities are overlooking their long-standing demand for rehabilitation homes within Mumbai city limits.
The housing schemes, being developed under the supervision of Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) through private developers, are expected to provide nearly 81,000 homes to eligible mill workers.
However, several mill worker unions have strongly opposed the projects, arguing that relocating workers to distant suburban locations such as Shelu and Wangani would severely impact their livelihoods and disconnect them from the city where many families have lived and worked for decades. Protesters have demanded that the government identify land parcels within Mumbai itself for rehabilitation housing instead of shifting beneficiaries to far-off areas.
Despite mounting opposition, the Maharashtra government has continued to move ahead with the projects. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier announced plans for the bhoomipujan ceremony of the Shelu housing project, while work orders have reportedly already been issued to private developers for implementation.
Worker organisations have alleged that the consent process linked to the housing schemes lacked transparency and claimed that several beneficiaries were pressured into accepting homes located outside Mumbai. According to union representatives, many workers fear that shifting to distant suburbs would increase travel costs, disrupt employment opportunities and weaken long-established social networks within the city.
Multiple mill worker unions have organised demonstrations at Azad Maidan in recent weeks, demanding that the government reconsider the projects and prioritise in-city rehabilitation. Protesters have also warned of intensified agitations if their demands continue to be ignored.
The issue has once again highlighted the broader debate around affordable housing, urban displacement and redevelopment policies in Mumbai, where land scarcity and rising real estate prices continue to complicate large-scale rehabilitation efforts for working-class communities.
Source: Mumbai Live
