The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Slum Rehabilitation Authority has categorically rejected claims that residents of Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi were evicted without prior notice. According to the authority's statement issued on Friday, August 7, the action undertaken on August 6, 2026, was conducted based on prescribed legal process and after providing repeated notices, hearings, along with adequate opportunities for voluntary relocation. The authority emphasized that all actions were taken in compliance with legal procedures and with due consideration for resident welfare.
The redevelopment process followed a structured timeline beginning with a notice issued in April 2026 requesting residents of Sector 6 to execute rental agreements and vacate premises to avoid monsoon inconvenience. Individual vacation notices were subsequently issued to all concerned occupants, followed by hearings conducted on July 6 and July 13, 2026. According to the authority, demolition notices were displayed on July 28, 2026, with demolition action conducted only after repeated non-compliance from occupants.
Of the 16 hutments affected, 12 occupants voluntarily vacated their premises after counselling and communication from the authority. However, 4 structures required removal with police assistance after occupants consistently denied compliance with the rehabilitation process. The authority stated that these structures were specifically required to be removed to facilitate execution of critical public and railway infrastructure projects, which are prerequisites for beginning rehabilitation construction at the Mahim and Matunga Railway Lands.
The authority has assured comprehensive rental assistance to all impacted families regardless of final eligibility determination. Ground-floor occupants are entitled to monthly rent assistance of ₹18,000, while upper-floor occupants are eligible for ₹15,000 per month. Additionally, beneficiaries receive a one-time shifting allowance of ₹5,000, one month's brokerage, and an annual rent escalation of 5% until permanent rehabilitation is completed. The authority clarified that one year's rent assistance is being provided in advance without discrimination, with three months' rent released upon rental agreement execution and the remaining nine months upon vacating premises.
Based on applicable legal provisions, the authority clarified that occupants who fail to vacate despite due notice and completion of legal process are liable for eviction in accordance with law and may forfeit rental assistance and other relocation benefits. For residents whose eligibility has not yet been finalized, adequate opportunity will be provided to complete the verification process before government authorities. The authority emphasized that the rehabilitation process in Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi has been taken up on priority to safeguard rehabilitation rights while enabling essential public infrastructure works.
