MUMBAI: Residents of nearly seven slum settlements in Sector 6 of Dharavi have received eviction notices to vacate before the onset of the monsoon or the start of the next academic year. This land, located on Matunga railway property, is set for rehabilitation buildings as part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP).
DRP officials, part of a special purpose vehicle, stated that prompt cooperation from residents will facilitate timely construction and minimize disruption for those living nearby. Notices have been dispatched to approximately 3,500 households, as the cleared land will make way for ten rehabilitation buildings designed to accommodate 11,000 families.
Baburao Mane, convenor of the Dharavi Bachao Andolan, expressed deep concern over the situation, noting an “atmosphere of fear.” He said, “We were told it would be a seamless transition, moving residents directly from their current homes to new flats. Now, DRP officials are making promises to residents, yet no agreements are in place regarding when or where these flats will be ready.” Mane also mentioned that residents who received eviction notices have been promised a rental assistance of Rs 30,000-35,000 for the first three months, but there are no details about what happens afterward.
In defense of the eviction notices, DRP officials explained that the railway land was included in the Dharavi notified area based on the trust that it would be available for rehabilitation construction. “Given that slum dwellers inhabit this railway land, residents have no choice but to vacate for construction to proceed,” they remarked.
Mane highlighted that Sector 6 comprises around 22,000 households, with many either ineligible for rehousing or still awaiting eligibility decisions. “Over 200 local committees and mandal representatives have united, and we will organize a significant protest against the redevelopment in the coming days,” he asserted.
