The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) asserts that evictions in Ganesh Nagar–Meghwadi followed due legal process, including notices, hearings, and opportunities for voluntary relocation, with a comprehensive rehabilitation and rental assistance package for affected families tied to public infrastructure progression.
India
-Oneindia Staff
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has issued an official statement rejecting allegations that residents of Ganesh Nagar–Meghwadi were evicted without prior notice, asserting that the action carried out on August 6, 2026, followed due legal process, including repeated notices, hearings, and adequate opportunities for voluntary relocation.
According to the statement, a public notice was issued in April 2026 asking residents of Sector 6 to execute rental agreements and vacate their premises ahead of the monsoon season. This was followed by individual vacation notices served to all concerned occupants.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) asserts that evictions in Ganesh Nagar–Meghwadi followed due legal process, including notices, hearings, and opportunities for voluntary relocation, with a comprehensive rehabilitation and rental assistance package for affected families tied to public infrastructure progression.
Hearings for residents raising objections were subsequently held on July 6 and July 13, 2026. Demolition notices were then displayed on July 28, 2026, and the demolition action was carried out only after repeated non-compliance despite completion of all statutory procedures, the DRP said.
*Twelve of sixteen structures vacated voluntarily*
Of the sixteen identified hutments in the area, twelve occupants voluntarily vacated their premises following counselling and communication from authorities. Only four structures required removal with police assistance, after the occupants repeatedly declined to comply with the lawful process, the statement noted.
The DRP said the removal of these structures was essential to facilitate execution of a critical public and railway infrastructure project, and that completion of this work is also a prerequisite for commencing rehabilitation construction at the Mahim and Matunga Railway Lands.
*Rehabilitation and compensation package*
The authority reiterated that all affected families are being provided rental assistance irrespective of the final determination of their eligibility. Under the package, ground-floor occupants are entitled to monthly rent assistance of ₹18,000, while upper-floor occupants are entitled to ₹15,000 per month. Beneficiaries are also being provided a one-time shifting allowance of ₹5,000, one month’s brokerage, and an annual rent escalation of 5% until permanent rehabilitation is completed.
For residents whose eligibility has not yet been finalised, the DRP said adequate opportunity is being provided to complete the verification process before the competent government authorities, with one year’s rent assistance being extended in advance without discrimination.
Under the approved payment mechanism, three months’ rent is released upon execution of the rental agreement, while the remaining nine months’ rent is disbursed upon vacating the premises and handing over possession. The package additionally includes brokerage and shifting assistance, with rental assistance credited directly to the head of the household until allotment of permanent rehabilitation housing.
*Legal position on non-compliance*
The DRP further clarified that, under applicable statutory provisions, occupants who fail to vacate despite due notice and completion of the legal process are liable for eviction in accordance with law and may forfeit rental assistance and other relocation benefits as prescribed.
The statement, signed by the Administrative Officer and Tahsildar of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, said the authority remains committed 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.
