Efforts to clear Sector 6 under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) have encountered resistance from residents, slowing the relocation process that began in April and was aimed at preparing the area for the construction of rehabilitation buildings before the monsoon.
The clearance drive covers nearly 35 acres of railway land in Matunga and is expected to impact around 22,000 residents living in localities such as Meghwadi, SVP Nagar, Azad Nagar, Kamala Raman Nagar and Shahu Nagar. Authorities have been issuing evacuation notices across these areas as part of the redevelopment exercise.
A key focus has been Shahu Nagar, where approximately 900 households recently received notices to vacate their premises. Residents have been offered temporary accommodation in MHADA buildings located in Sector 5 or monthly rental assistance. Depending on the size of their existing homes, eligible families have been offered rent ranging from Rs 22,000 to Rs 30,000 per month, along with a shifting allowance.
Despite these provisions, many residents have continued to raise concerns over rehabilitation terms. Demands for larger replacement homes have emerged, particularly from occupants of planned residential structures. While revised government norms provide eligible residents with rehabilitation units of at least 500 sq ft, some residents have sought significantly larger homes, leading to prolonged discussions between authorities and local groups.
Opposition has also been reported in other parts of Sector 6. Although a section of residents in Meghwadi has reportedly signed agreements with the project authorities, negotiations are still ongoing in areas including Azad Nagar, SVP Nagar and Kamala Raman Nagar.
Many residents have expressed concerns about the transit arrangements being offered during the redevelopment period. According to residents, the rental compensation may not be sufficient to secure accommodation in central Mumbai, while some of the alternative housing options are located far from existing homes, schools, workplaces and social networks.
With the monsoon approaching, project authorities continue to engage with residents in an effort to secure voluntary relocation. As one of Mumbai’s largest urban renewal initiatives, the Dharavi redevelopment project now faces the challenge of balancing redevelopment objectives with the expectations and concerns of affected communities.
Source: Mumbai Live
