The Dharavi Redevelopment Project has moved forward with 160 municipal employees from Shahu Nagar in Mahim vacating their flats and handing over possession to authorities. The move comes amid ongoing discussions and protests over notices issued to residents of 45 buildings in the area to vacate their homes.
According to the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority, most of the civic employees who vacated their flats have shifted to MHADA’s transitional housing facilities in Sector 5 of Dharavi. Authorities stated that the vacated premises will help make land available for rehabilitation purposes under the redevelopment plan.
Shahu Nagar has around 1,040 residential flats, of which 168 were occupied by employees of different departments of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Out of these, 160 employees have already handed over their flats. The vacant properties have been transferred to Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited, the agency responsible for implementing the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
An official from the authority said that demolition of the vacant buildings will begin soon, and construction of new rehabilitation buildings on the same land is expected to commence after the monsoon season.
Residents affected by the redevelopment have been offered two relocation options. They can either shift to MHADA’s newly constructed transitional buildings in Sector 5, Dharavi, equipped with basic amenities and maintenance facilities, or move to rented accommodation elsewhere. The authority will provide monthly rental support to families vacating their homes.
Families occupying houses measuring up to 275 square feet will receive a monthly rental assistance of Rs 22,000, while those living in units up to 375 square feet will receive Rs 30,000 per month. The rental support will increase by five per cent annually. Additionally, families shifting to transit accommodation or rented premises will receive a one-time payment of Rs 15,000.
Meanwhile, authorities have raised concerns over alleged illegal subletting of municipal flats in Shahu Nagar. Around 300-350 flats are suspected to have been rented out to unauthorised occupants, according to officials. Under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999, subletting such premises is prohibited, and occupants involved in such practices may not be eligible for redevelopment benefits.
However, opposition from some residents continues. Residents claim that Shahu Nagar Colony, which is around 60-65 years old, remains structurally sound and have demanded that the area be excluded from the Dharavi redevelopment plan. They have questioned the relocation process and sought clarity on rehabilitation plans and housing sizes before vacating their homes. Their demand remains that rehabilitation should take place on vacant land instead of existing residential areas.
Source: Loksatta
