Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Dharavi Redevelopment Project Denies Illegal Evictions, Says Due Process Followed
In Mumbai, a part of the city called Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi is home to many families living in small hutments.
On August 6, some of these homes were taken down.
The families who lived there said they were pushed out without any warning.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, which runs the redevelopment, says that is not true.
It says families were told back in April that they would need to move before the monsoon.
The project also held meetings in July so families could ask questions and share their worries.
Out of 16 homes, 12 families moved out on their own after talking with the project staff.
Only four homes had to be removed with police help because those families did not leave.
The land is needed for important railway and public projects.
The project says it is giving families monthly rent money until they receive permanent new homes.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) rejected allegations of illegal eviction at Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi, saying the August 6 demolition followed statutory procedures.
The DRP said it issued a public notice in April 2026, held hearings for objectors on July 6 and 13, and displayed demolition notices on July 28.
Of 16 identified hutments, 12 occupants vacated voluntarily after counselling; only four structures were removed with police assistance.
The DRP said clearing the structures was essential for critical public and railway infrastructure works and a prerequisite for rehabilitation construction at Mahim and Matunga railway lands.
Affected families are offered monthly rent assistance of Rs 18,000 for ground-floor and Rs 15,000 for upper-floor occupants, though the articles differ on the shifting allowance amount (Rs 25,000 vs Rs 5,000).
- Who
- The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) and the residents of Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi, who along with activists have criticised the demolition.
- What
- The demolition of 16 hutments on August 6, which the DRP says followed a months-long statutory process of notices, hearings and voluntary relocation opportunities.
- When
- Demolition on August 6; public notice in April 2026; hearings on July 6 and 13; demolition notices displayed on July 28; DRP statement issued on Friday.
- Where
- Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi in the Dharavi area of Mumbai, India, with rehabilitation construction planned at Mahim and Matunga railway lands.
- Why
- To enable critical public and railway infrastructure works, which are a prerequisite for starting rehabilitation construction at Mahim and Matunga railway lands.
Residents and activists allege sudden eviction
DRP asserts statutory compliance
Demolition process
Residents and activists allege sudden eviction
Residents and activists criticised the August 6 demolition, alleging families in Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi were evicted without prior notice.
DRP asserts statutory compliance
The DRP says the action followed the prescribed legal process: a public notice in April 2026, hearings on July 6 and 13, demolition notices on July 28, and action only after repeated non-compliance.
Need for the clearance
Residents and activists allege sudden eviction
Critics contend residents were abruptly displaced from their homes with no adequate opportunity to remain.
DRP asserts statutory compliance
The DRP says the removals were essential for critical public and railway infrastructure projects and a prerequisite for starting rehabilitation construction at Mahim and Matunga railway lands.
- Project
- Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP)
- Location
- Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi, Mumbai
- Demolition date
- August 6
- Notice timeline
- Public notice in April 2026; hearings July 6 and 13; demolition notices July 28
- Hutments affected
- 16 identified; 12 voluntarily vacated; 4 removed with police assistance
- Monthly rent assistance
- Rs 18,000 (ground floor); Rs 15,000 (upper floor)
- Shifting allowance
- Sources differ: Rs 25,000 in one article, Rs 5,000 in the others
- Payment mechanism
- One year's rent released in advance; 3 months' rent on agreement execution, remaining 9 months on vacating; plus one month's brokerage and 5% annual escalation
Sources
Dharavi Redevelopment Project Denies Illegal Evictions At Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi, Says Due Process Was Followed
Dharavi Redevelopment Project Rejects Sudden Eviction Claims, Cites Statutory Compliance
