The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has denied allegations that residents of Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi were removed from their homes without prior notice, stating that the demolition action carried out on August 6 followed the prescribed legal procedure.
In a statement issued on Friday, the DRP said residents had been given multiple notices, opportunities for hearings and sufficient time to relocate voluntarily before the structures were removed. According to the authority, a public notice was issued in April asking occupants of Sector 6 to sign rental agreements and vacate their premises to avoid difficulties during the monsoon.
Vacation notices were subsequently served to the concerned occupants. Hearings for residents who raised objections were conducted on July 6 and 13, while demolition notices were displayed at the site on July 28. The DRP said action was initiated only after occupants continued to remain on the premises despite completion of the required statutory process.
Of the 16 identified hutments, 12 were vacated voluntarily following counselling and discussions. The remaining four structures were removed with police assistance after occupants allegedly declined to comply with the notices.
According to the DRP, clearing the structures was necessary for the execution of important public and railway infrastructure projects. The work is also required before rehabilitation construction can begin on railway land in Mahim and Matunga.
The authority said the rehabilitation programme in Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi is being prioritised to protect the rights of eligible residents while allowing essential infrastructure projects to proceed.
The DRP said rental assistance is being provided to all affected families regardless of the final outcome of their eligibility assessment. Ground-floor occupants are eligible for ₹18,000 per month, while those living on upper floors will receive ₹15,000 monthly. Beneficiaries will also receive a one-time shifting allowance of ₹5,000, one month’s brokerage and a 5% annual increase in rent until permanent rehabilitation is completed.
Residents whose eligibility is still under verification will be given an opportunity to submit the required documents before the competent authorities.
Under the approved payment system, three months’ rent is released after execution of the rental agreement, while the remaining nine months are paid after the premises are vacated and possession is handed over. Brokerage and shifting assistance are also included in the package.
The DRP said rental support will thereafter be transferred directly to the head of the household until permanent rehabilitation accommodation is allotted.
The authority further stated that occupants who refuse to vacate despite receiving due notice and completion of the legal process are liable to eviction as per law and may lose rental and relocation benefits as prescribed.
The DRP said it remains committed to carrying out rehabilitation in a transparent, lawful and humane manner while protecting eligible beneficiaries and facilitating essential infrastructure development.
Source: NDTV
