Dharavi Project Rejects Sudden Eviction Claims, Says Legal Process Was Followed
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has denied allegations that residents of Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi in Mumbai were evicted without prior notice. In a statement issued on Friday, the project authorities said the action on August 6 was carried out strictly as per the prescribed legal process, with repeated notices, hearings, and opportunities for voluntary relocation provided to the occupants.
The DRP said a public notice was issued in April asking residents of Sector 6 to execute rental agreements and vacate their premises to avoid inconvenience during the monsoon. Vacation notices were subsequently served to all concerned occupants. Hearings for residents who raised objections were held on July 6 and 13. After these hearings, demolition notices were displayed on July 28, and the removal action was taken only after repeated non-compliance, even after all statutory procedures had been completed.
According to the DRP, out of the 16 identified hutments, 12 were voluntarily vacated after counselling and communication. Only four structures required removal with police assistance because the occupants repeatedly declined to comply with the lawful process. The DRP added that the removal of these structures was essential for critical public and railway infrastructure projects. Completion of this work was also a prerequisite for starting rehabilitation construction at Mahim and Matunga railway lands.
The rehabilitation process in Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi has been prioritised to safeguard the rehabilitation rights of eligible residents while enabling essential public infrastructure works. The DRP said all affected families are being provided rental assistance, regardless of the final determination of their eligibility. Ground-floor occupants are entitled to a monthly rent assistance of Rs 18,000, while upper-floor occupants receive Rs 15,000 per month. In addition, beneficiaries are given a one-time shifting allowance of Rs 5,000, one month's brokerage, and an annual rent escalation of 5 per cent until permanent rehabilitation is completed.
Residents whose eligibility has not yet been finalised are being given adequate opportunity to complete the verification process before the competent government authorities. The DRP stated that the rehabilitation process is intended to ensure that every eligible family receives benefits under the applicable rehabilitation policy. One year's rent assistance is being extended in advance without discrimination.
Under the approved payment mechanism, three months' rent is released upon execution of the rental agreement, and the remaining nine months' rent is disbursed upon vacating the premises and handing over possession. The package also includes brokerage and shifting assistance. Thereafter, rental assistance is credited directly to the head of the household until allotment of permanent rehabilitation housing.
The DRP noted that under statutory provisions, occupants who do not vacate despite due notice and completion of the legal process are liable for eviction in accordance with the law. They may also forfeit rental assistance and other relocation benefits as prescribed. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project has reiterated its commitment to implementing rehabilitation in a transparent, lawful, and humane manner while ensuring timely delivery of critical public infrastructure and safeguarding the rights of all eligible beneficiaries.
This statement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Dharavi redevelopment project, which has faced concerns from residents and civil society groups over displacement and the pace of rehabilitation. The project is one of India's largest urban redevelopment initiatives, aiming to transform the sprawling informal settlement into a planned residential and commercial zone.
