Tensions escalated in Meghwadi, one of Dharavi’s oldest informal settlements, after demolition work began on Thursday, leaving residents scrambling to remove their belongings as authorities moved in with earthmovers. The demolition took place near the railway tracks at Matunga Labour Camp as families rushed to pack clothes, school books and household items.
Residents alleged that the action was carried out without prior formal notice, leaving them with little time to vacate their homes. “Hammers rained down on school books even as children pleaded with the workers to return them,” said Karunanidhi Kannan, an advocate from Dharavi.
Four homes housing three families were demolished on Thursday as part of the Rs 95,790-crore Dharavi Redevelopment Project being undertaken by Adani Navbharat Developers Private Limited (ANDPL). The action marks the beginning of the planned clearance of 45 homes in Meghwadi as the redevelopment project moves into its initial implementation phase.
While residents said they were not against redevelopment, they expressed anger over the manner in which the eviction was carried out. According to them, they were verbally informed on Tuesday to vacate immediately but did not receive any official notice.
“We were still removing our belongings when they turned up today and started breaking our homes,” said a resident standing beside damaged furniture and household items. “We kept asking for time, but nobody listened.”
Meghwadi was among the first areas surveyed under the Dharavi redevelopment project in June last year and is among the initial clusters identified for clearance.
“My daughter is preparing for her Class 10 exams. Men entered our homes and dragged us out. She was terrified. Our neighbours also came out shouting, asking them to stop. Yet we were forcefully evicted,” said Savita Reddy, a tenant residing in a ground-plus-one structure.
Reddy’s landlord, Suresh Parmar, reached the site after being informed about the demolition. “I didn’t receive any notice from the authorities. I didn’t approach the court like some of the others have, nor am I against this development. All I expected was time to clear the home and provide alternative arrangements,” said Parmar.
As structures were brought down, residents also raised concerns about rehabilitation support. Ashish Maru, a Meghwadi resident, said, “They are giving us only Rs 18,000 per month as rent, but that is not sufficient.”
Residents further highlighted difficulties faced by slum dwellers who lack necessary documents and are consequently marked as “ineligible” for rehabilitation benefits.
Responding to the issue, an ANDPL spokesperson said, “The construction of railway premises is affected by the slums of Meghwadi, and accordingly this area is being vacated. The land thus made available by clearing the priority slums of Meghwadi will enable the construction activity.”
The spokesperson added, “Residents who have agreed to shift have been paid one year’s rent in advance to help them move into temporary accommodation of their choice. They have also been given brokerage and shifting assistance. Rent support will continue with a 5% annual increase until they move into their permanent rehabilitation homes as per the project’s rehabilitation policy.”
Source: Hindustan Times
