‘Not An Overnight Eviction’: DRP Details Legal Steps Behind August 6 Action, Says Ganesh Nagar Demolition Followed 4 Months Of Notices

Mumbai: The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has strongly refuted claims that families in Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi were forced out without warning, insisting that the eviction carried out on August 6 was the final step of a months-long statutory process. The officials clarified that every legal requirement was met, from public notices to personal hearings, before any structure was removed.

According to the DRP, the move was not sudden but necessary to clear the way for vital public and railway infrastructure. The authority added that the clearance is also a precondition for beginning rehabilitation construction on the Mahim and Matunga Railway Lands, a project that affects thousands of eligible residents across Dharavi.

The project team maintained that the objective remained twofold, which are to protect the rehabilitation entitlements of genuine residents and to deliver essential infrastructure without further delay. It stressed that assistance is being extended to all affected households regardless of the current status of their eligibility verification.

Notices, Hearings And Voluntary Vacations

The DRP stated that the engagement with Sector 6 began as early as April 2026, when a public notice was issued asking residents to sign rental agreements and vacate to avoid disruption during the monsoon. Following that, individual vacation notices were then served to every occupant concerned. Those who raised objections were given a platform, with hearings held on July 6 and July 13. Subsequently, the demolition notices were put up on July 28.

It was also noted that of the 16 hutments identified, 12 families chose to leave voluntarily following counselling and repeated communication. Apart from them, only 4 structures had to be removed with police support after the occupants continued to refuse compliance despite the completion of all legal steps. The authority asserted that the action was taken only after repeated non-compliance.

The DRP explained that removing the structures was critical to progress a key public and railway infrastructure scheme. It said that completion of this work must happen before rehabilitation building can start on the Mahim and Matunga Railway Lands. The Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi rehabilitation has therefore been prioritised to both secure residents’ rights and enable these major works.

Financial Support And Eligibility Process

The project team officials have reiterated the commitment to support every affected family. As per information shared by the DRP, ground-floor residents are entitled to Rs 18,000 per month in rental assistance, while those on upper floors will receive Rs 15,000 per month. A one-time shifting allowance of Rs 5000, one month’s brokerage, and an annual rent increase of 5% until permanent housing is allotted have also been provided.

Furthermore, 1 year’s rent assistance is being paid in advance without discrimination, as under the approved mechanism, 3 months’ rent is released on signing the rental agreement, and the remaining 9 months are paid once the premises are vacated and possession is handed over. The payments are credited directly to the head of the household until permanent rehabilitation housing is allocated.

The DRP emphasised that for those whose eligibility is yet to be finalised, adequate opportunity will be given to complete verification with the competent government department. It also added that the policy is designed to ensure every eligible family receives their due benefits.

The DRP also warned that under statutory provisions, the occupants who do not vacate after due notice and legal process may face eviction and could lose entitlement to rental assistance and other relocation benefits.

“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,” the authority said. The DRP also added that the priority will now be to finish the infrastructure work and expedite permanent rehabilitation housing, so that the phase is remembered for resettlement rather than upheaval.