The rehabilitation process for eligible residents of Bandra East’s Garib Nagar has officially commenced, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) handing over the first set of keys to seven families. The move comes nearly two months after the process was delayed and marks the beginning of the relocation of 100 families identified for rehabilitation under directions issued by the Bombay High Court.
According to MMRDA officials, 84 eligible families will be relocated to rehabilitation housing in Kurla, while the remaining 16 families will be accommodated at another designated site. Authorities have stated that all eligible beneficiaries are expected to receive possession of their new homes before Independence Day.
Meanwhile, residents said temporary tin shelters had been erected by railway authorities. However, Western Railway clarified that the structures were not temporary shelters but repairs carried out under the High Court’s directions.
A Western Railway official said, “In accordance with Bombay High Court orders, 500 out of 600 unauthorised structures were demolished at Garib Nagar in the biggest ever demolition drive undertaken by Western Railway. However, the high court had ordered that 100 structures were to be protected for project-affected people and were not to be removed. As some damage happened to them during the demolition drive, the high court had given strict instructions to repair them immediately. This is the court-ordered repair work that is seen here. It is requested to kindly ask people not to spread incorrect rumours as it causes unnecessary confusion and creates a law and order problem.”
While the rehabilitation process has finally begun, many beneficiaries said they remain hopeful yet anxious until they receive possession of their homes.
Tabassum Khan, who is awaiting allotment, said, “We have been told that everyone will receive their keys before August 15. We trust the authorities, but until we actually get the keys in our hands, the anxiety remains.”
Another beneficiary, Bano Bee, said, “Seeing our neighbours receive their homes gives us confidence. We are eagerly waiting for our turn. Hope it happens soon.”
Rehana Shaikh described the hardships faced over the past few weeks.
“We have spent weeks worrying about our safety, especially our children. From sleeping on the road to staying awake the whole night to ensure that no one steals our belongings and our children, to relying on assurances given by the authorities, we have struggled a lot. We are just glad that, unlike many others, we are not left to figure out things for ourselves,” she said.
Asif Khan welcomed the start of the rehabilitation exercise but highlighted the need for basic amenities.
“We are happy that the process has finally started. We are yet to shift to the new house as it needs to be cleaned and basic utilities are still not in place. We only hope basic facilities such as water and electricity are available at the earliest,” he said.
Source: Mid-day
