Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 17: The first phase of the ambitious Rs 2.5-lakh-crore Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has begun on the ground, with residents from select pockets of Dharavi starting to move out of their decades-old homes. Eviction notices have been served in at least two areas—Meghwadi at Matunga and Shatabdi Nagar at Sion—covering a total area of 620.82 acres under the project being implemented by Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL), led by industrialist Gautam Adani.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, DRP CEO Mahendra Kalyankar said that residents would be relocated in a “humane and dignified manner”. The clarification came after eviction notices were served to around 42 residents of Ganesh Nagar in Meghwadi, located on railway land, where initial construction activity for the redevelopment has commenced.

Explaining the rationale, Kalyankar said Dharavi’s extreme density leaves little room to begin construction without temporary relocation of a small number of residents. “Our intent has always been to ensure a smooth and dignified transition from slum to rehabilitation homes. In some cases like Ganesh Nagar, relocation becomes unavoidable and is being carried out strictly as per legal provisions,” he said.

However, the mood in Meghwadi remains tense. Residents have alleged lack of transparency and questioned the timing of the evictions. Community representative Bipin Padaya claimed that although there are over 150 tenements in the area, only 42 have received eviction notices. He alleged that the authorities cited the need to lay sewage lines, which residents feel is premature. Concerns were also raised over the absence of a sample rehabilitation flat and the proposed 350 sq ft homes being split into carpet and fungible areas.

Residents further expressed dissatisfaction over the proposed monthly rent assistance of Rs 18,000 for ground-floor units and Rs 15,000 for first-floor units, claiming it is insufficient to secure alternative accommodation in the city.

In contrast, the situation at Shatabdi Nagar in Sion has been relatively smoother. Around 301 tenements are currently in the process of shifting to transit homes in nearby MHADA buildings at Sector 5, with another 350 families expected to relocate soon. Eligible residents received keys to their transit homes in late November.

Social worker Roshan Shaikh said many residents were willing to move out due to longstanding issues such as poor sanitation, drug-related activities, and social stigma associated with the area. The transit homes measure 350 sq ft—the same size promised post-redevelopment—but residents have flagged issues related to privacy and safety, including missing bedroom doors and balcony grills.

Responding to the relocations, Kalyankar said the temporary shifting of eligible residents to MHADA transit apartments would help fast-track construction of rehabilitation infrastructure. Once Shatabdi Nagar is fully vacated, NMDPL plans to develop commercial buildings at the site.

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project aims to rehabilitate nearly one million residents and deliver around 1.25 lakh homes within the next seven years, marking one of the largest urban renewal exercises in the country.