Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi Eviction: DRP Says Action Followed Due Process, Notices Issued in Multiple Stages
Mumbai, 8th August 2026: The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) has rejected allegations that the eviction and demolition action carried out in Sector 6 of Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi on August 6 was conducted without prior notice. The project authority said the action was taken only after following the prescribed legal procedure, including issuing notices at multiple stages and conducting hearings for residents who raised objections.
According to the DRP, a public notice was issued in April 2026, asking residents to execute rent agreements and vacate the premises to facilitate the rehabilitation process. Individual notices were subsequently served on the affected residents.
Residents who objected to the action were given an opportunity to present their concerns during hearings held on July 6 and July 13. Following the hearings, eviction and demolition notices were displayed on July 28. Despite these steps, some residents allegedly continued to occupy the structures, prompting the action on August 6, the DRP said.
A total of 16 structures in the area had been identified for action. The DRP said that after discussions and counselling, 12 residents voluntarily vacated their premises. However, occupants of the remaining four structures allegedly failed to comply despite repeated notices. The authorities therefore carried out the action with police assistance.
Land Required for Railway and Public Infrastructure Projects
The DRP said the action was necessary not only for the rehabilitation process but also to facilitate major public and railway infrastructure projects. According to the authority, clearing the identified land at Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi is a prerequisite for commencing rehabilitation construction on railway land in Mahim and Matunga.
Rent Assistance Provided to Affected Families
The DRP also said financial assistance is being provided to affected families even though the final eligibility of some residents has not yet been determined.
Residents occupying ground-floor structures or plots are being provided ₹18,000 per month, while those residing on upper floors are receiving ₹15,000 per month as rent assistance. In addition, residents are eligible for a one-time relocation allowance of ₹5,000, one month’s brokerage charges and a 5% annual increase in rent assistance until permanent rehabilitation is completed.
The authority said residents whose eligibility is yet to be finalised are being given sufficient opportunity to have their documents verified by the competent government authorities.
As per the payment mechanism, three months’ rent is provided initially after execution of the rent agreement. The remaining nine months’ rent is released after the resident vacates the premises and hands over possession.
The DRP further stated that subsequent rent assistance until allotment of permanent rehabilitation housing is deposited directly into the bank account of the head of the family.
The authority warned that residents who fail to vacate the premises despite proper notices and completion of the legal process may face eviction under the applicable statutory provisions. Such residents may also risk losing rent assistance and other relocation benefits as per the rules.
The DRP reiterated that the Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi action was not sudden or carried out without notice. It said the action followed multiple rounds of notices, hearings and opportunities for voluntary relocation, while the broader objective remains to protect the rights of eligible residents and ensure timely implementation of rehabilitation and essential infrastructure projects.
