Sena MP says, ‘Will consult residents before taking decision on Dharavi rehab’

Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale says salt pan land in the city can also be used to house those affected by the redevelopment project

The state government will consider the views of Mulund residents before taking a final decision on the rehabilitation of Dharavi residents. “Any decision taken will be only after a discussion with residents,” said Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale. However, the locals want the state government to officially declare its cancellation. mid-day has been highlighting their protest against the rehabilitation.

According to Shewale, the state government has also decided to give 360 acres of salt pan land situated at Kanjurmarg and Wadala which can be used to rehabilitate Dharavi residents. “Most residents of Dharavi will get houses in their locality. However, those who are not eligible under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) will get alternative houses in other areas,” Shewale said.

Residents at a meeting against the government decision. File pic

Adv Sagar Devre, a resident of Mulund said, “We have already opposed this project in various ways… creating a human chain and holding a peace march. The residents have also written thousands of emails to the state government and the BMC to oppose the rehabilitation project. The state government should officially declare that the project is cancelled and the minister concerned should give assurance,” he said.

Gangadhar Tulsankar, another resident of Mulund said that until state government officials declare that the rehabilitation project in Mulund is cancelled, the movement will continue. “We have started meeting people individually, taking meetings to create awareness against the project. Our drive will continue till the state government officially announces its cancellation,” Tulsankar said.

The state government has decided to rehabilitate Dharavi residents who are not eligible under the DRP at Mulund. The BMC was asked to hand over 64 acres of land located at Mulund East to the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority for this purpose. However, Mulund residents have been opposing the decision. On Monday, mid-day reported that locals have started door-to-door visits to create awareness against the project.

64 acres
Land in Mulund to be used for the projects

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