The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) categorically rejects allegations that residents of Ganesh Nagar–Meghwadi were evicted without prior notice. The action undertaken on August 6, 2026 was carried out strictly in accordance with the prescribed legal process and only after providing repeated notices, hearings, and adequate opportunities for voluntary relocation.
As part of the rehabilitation process, a public notice was issued in April 2026 requesting residents of Sector 6 to execute rental agreements and vacate their premises to avoid inconvenience during the monsoon. Thereafter, individual vacation notices were served upon all concerned occupants. Hearings for residents raising objections were conducted on July 6 and July 13, 2026. Subsequently, demolition notices were displayed on July 28, 2026. The demolition action was undertaken only after repeated non-compliance despite completion of all statutory procedures.
Out of the sixteen identified hutments, twelve occupants voluntarily vacated their premises after due counselling and communication. Only four structures required removal with police assistance after the occupants repeatedly declined to comply with the lawful process.
The removal of these structures was essential to facilitate execution of critical public and railway infrastructure project. Completion of this work is also a prerequisite for commencing rehabilitation construction at the Mahim and Matunga Railway Lands.
The rehabilitation process in Ganesh Nagar–Meghwadi has been taken up on priority to safeguard the rehabilitation rights of eligible residents while simultaneously enabling the execution of essential public infrastructure works.
The DRP reiterates that all affected families are being provided rental assistance irrespective of the final determination of their eligibility. Ground-floor occupants are entitled to monthly rent assistance of ₹18,000, while upper-floor occupants are entitled to ₹15,000 per month. In addition, beneficiaries are 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.
Residents whose eligibility has not yet been finalised are being provided adequate opportunity to complete the verification process before the competent Government authorities. The rehabilitation process is intended to ensure that every eligible family receives the benefits available 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, while the remaining nine months’ rent is disbursed upon vacating the premises and handing over possession. The package also includes brokerage and shifting assistance, and rental assistance thereafter is credited directly to the Head of the Household until allotment of permanent rehabilitation housing.
The DRP further clarifies that, under the 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 Dharavi Redevelopment Project 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.
