The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) plans to complete the rehabilitation of 100 eligible slum-dwelling families in Garib Nagar, Bandra East, by the end of September, before proceeding with the removal of the remaining huts in the area.
The authority informed the Bombay High Court that flats have been allotted to eligible project-affected families, although handing over possession to some beneficiaries is awaiting occupancy certificates (OCs) from the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).
Garib Nagar originally had around 500 huts, of which 100 were classified as eligible and 400 as ineligible. Following court directions, the 400 ineligible structures were removed in May. The remaining 100 huts are expected to be cleared only after alternative housing has been handed over to the eligible families.
Rehabilitation Across Two Projects
The rehabilitation is being carried out at the HDIL Kurla Premier and Bhandari Metalurgy projects.
MMRDA told the court that 11 of the 16 project-affected families allotted homes at HDIL Kurla had received allotment letters, while seven had already taken possession. Rehabilitation arrangements for the remaining four families are underway.
At the Bhandari Metalurgy project, allotment letters have been issued to all 84 eligible project-affected families. The authority is currently awaiting the required SRA occupancy certificate before completing the handover of the homes.
MMRDA has sought time until October 6, 2026, to complete the rehabilitation process.
Senior officials said the authority expects possession of the remaining homes to be completed by the end of September, after which it will approach the railway administration seeking permission and action for removing the remaining 100 huts.
Rehabilitation Linked to Further Demolition
Railway officials have maintained that action against the remaining structures will be taken only after MMRDA completes the rehabilitation process, in accordance with the High Court’s directions.
The sequencing effectively links removal of the remaining huts with the availability of alternative accommodation for eligible families, ensuring that residents are rehabilitated before their existing structures are cleared.
The Garib Nagar case highlights the complexity of clearing project-affected settlements in Mumbai, where rehabilitation, statutory approvals and demolition often need to progress in a coordinated manner. The immediate focus remains on securing the pending OCs and completing possession of the allotted rehabilitation homes before further action is taken on the remaining huts.
Source: The Free Press Journal
