The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) authorities have issued demolition and eviction notices to 85 more tenements in Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi, directing occupants to vacate within 10 days of the August 21 order.
The action is part of the ongoing clearance process for structures located within the redevelopment area. Of the 85 affected tenements, residents of 17 have already agreed to vacate following discussions and counselling by DRP officials.
“The remaining occupants are being counselled individually once again to explain the process, their entitlements and the assistance available to them,” a DRP official said.
The latest notices were issued after hearings conducted by the Competent Authority under Sections 33 and 38 of the Maharashtra Slum Areas Act. Residents were given opportunities to submit their objections and suggestions during the statutory proceedings.
“Several efforts have been made over the past several months to persuade occupants to vacate through dialogue rather than enforcement. Several personal meetings were held with the affected households, apart from regular engagement by the ground teams at the site. Most Sector-6 households have already accepted the rental arrangements and vacated peacefully. Because of a few non- cooperating slum dwellers, the entire redevelopment of Dharavi cannot suffer,” the DRP official added.
According to DRP, 2,634 families in Sector-6 have signed rental agreements, while 1,541 families have already vacated their homes.
Under the rehabilitation support package, ground-floor residential occupants have been offered monthly rent of Rs 18,000, while those living on upper floors will receive Rs 15,000. Eligible commercial establishments have been offered Rs 175 per sq ft per month. Residents are also entitled to a one-time shifting allowance of Rs 5,000, one month’s brokerage and a 5% annual increase in rental support until permanent rehabilitation.
“The 17 occupants who have now agreed to vacate did so after further discussions and counselling, We are hopeful of more families coming forward,” he said.
The Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi process began with publication of the final Annexure-II in October 2025, followed by a public notice in April 2026. Hearings were held on July 6 and 13, while demolition notices were displayed on July 28.
“The communication with remaining obstructing or non-cooperating households will continue with emphasis on voluntary and orderly vacation of structures so that Dharavi Redevelopment Project work can proceed without any delay,” the DRP official said.
Source: The Free Press Journal
