Dharavi Redevelopment: 2,200 Homes Cleared in Meghwadi Sector 6, Demolition Drive Begins
Mumbai, 6th August 2026: The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), the implementing agency for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), has stepped up efforts to clear Sector 6 of Meghwadi, where rehabilitation buildings are proposed to be constructed.
Of the nearly 3,300 structures in the sector, around 2,200 have already been vacated. On Wednesday, the SRA initiated the eviction and demolition of around 16 remaining structures under police protection after the occupants refused to vacate despite months of negotiations.
According to an SRA order issued on July 28, residents were given one week to vacate their homes voluntarily or face demolition. The order stated that 123 slum dwellers had not cooperated with the relocation process, delaying the shifting exercise and impacting construction planned in the area.
While many residents have shifted, some said they were seeking greater clarity on the rehabilitation process. “Most of us in Meghwadi have been declared eligible. What we want to know is exactly which buildings we will get, where they will be, whether we will receive two years’ rent, and a proper agreement,” said resident, Bipin Padaya.
Padaya added that residents were also worried about the continuity of rent payments. “We have little faith that the rents will continue after a year or two. We would prefer transit accommodation, but that is not being offered.”
Officials, however, said providing large-scale transit accommodation was not feasible due to limited availability. Instead, eligible residents are being offered brokerage assistance along with a five per cent annual increase in rent.
Meanwhile, Sandeep Katke, a Dharavi resident and lawyer assisting Meghwadi residents, said they would attempt to resist the demolition drive.
An SRA official said the authority had been allowing residents additional time to relocate on humanitarian grounds. “Residents are gradually moving out. In Kamla Raman Nagar, for instance, 80 per cent have vacated. As long as people cooperate, we are giving them time till the end of the monsoon on humanitarian grounds,” the official said.
Officials added that the remaining structures are located within the footprint of the proposed rehabilitation buildings, making their clearance necessary before construction can begin. Eligible residents will be rehabilitated under the approved policy, while the redevelopment project aims to transform Dharavi through new rehabilitation housing, commercial spaces and supporting infrastructure.
