A large-scale demolition operation at Garib Nagar in Mumbai’s Bandra East has left several families uncertain about their future, as railway authorities, civic officials, and Mumbai Police personnel carried out an eviction drive linked to railway land clearance and redevelopment plans.
The action forms part of a broader initiative by the Rail Land Development Authority aimed at clearing land for future infrastructure and commercial projects. While authorities have described the operation as necessary to remove unauthorised structures affecting railway safety and development, residents argue that the issue now centres on rehabilitation, housing security, and livelihood concerns.
As bulldozers moved through the locality, many residents questioned why civic amenities such as electricity and water connections had been provided if the settlement was considered illegal. “If this place was illegal, then why were we given electricity connections less than a year ago? Why were we given water supply and government documents carrying our addresses?” questioned Bannu Abdul Hamid Sheikh, 55.
Residents claimed the settlement had evolved over decades from marshland and dumping ground into a liveable neighbourhood built through their own efforts. “This used to be jungle, ‘gobar’ and ‘daldal’,” said resident Naazma. “We worked hard to make it liveable. Now that the land has value, they are removing us,” Bannu Abdul Hamid Sheikh added.
Several families also highlighted the growing difficulty of finding affordable housing in Mumbai’s rental market. “We barely earn enough to survive. How can the poor suddenly arrange Rs 1-lakh deposit and rent worth Rs 25,000 rent?” questioned Farzana Khan, 34.
Residents alleged that many households received demolition notices only days before the operation began. Some claimed they planned to remain near the demolished structures due to lack of alternatives.
Amid the demolition, Naazparmin Javed Khureshi recounted a personal tragedy linked to a promised rehabilitation home. “Two years ago, when 62 houses were approved, one of them was in my husband’s name… he had died of a heart attack as he was overwhelmed with happiness that we were finally going to get a house,” she revealed.
Although authorities have reportedly identified certain structures for rehabilitation protection, uncertainty and fear continue to persist among affected families.
Source: Mid-day
