Displaced families say MMRDA failed to provide ready-to-move homes

Plot 3/51 at Lalbaug’s Chivda Galli in Parel. Residents said they were unable to trace homes here mentioned in MMRDA’s transit housing list; Ahilya Co-operative Housing Society on DL Vaidya Road, Dadar, one of the buildings listed by MMRDA as “available” transit accommodation for those affected by Elphinstone bridge’s demolition. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Responding to concerns raised by residents facing displacement due to the Elphinstone bridge demolition, the MMRDA has asked affected families to search for homes on their own from a newly issued list of "available" houses. Residents of Haaji Noorani said MMRDA officials shared a fresh list of transit accommodation options last Friday and asked families to identify suitable homes themselves. However, project-affected persons (PAP) who tried verifying the addresses claim the list contains multiple discrepancies.

House already occupied

"When we checked the Ahilya Building in Dadar West, the watchman told us that a family is already staying in flat 502, which is mentioned in this fresh list. After confirming this, we called Ghule, the MMRDA officer we have been corresponding with, and informed him.

Sukhakarta building on Currey Road. Parel residents had refused to occupy flats in the structure

In response, he said, ‘Yes, it's possible that some houses might be occupied. You will have to check.' This is nothing but a way to kill time," said Suhas Badade, one of the affected residents. Residents also said several addresses on the list could not be traced.

Sent on house hunt

"We were promised safe, habitable, ready-to-move homes within a 2.5-km radius. Instead, we are being sent on a house hunt. When we went to locate buildings listed as Loksatta, spread across nearly 50 structures, we could not identify the exact flats. After searching for nearly two hours, we returned," said Ashok Wagh, another resident.

Building under construction

Another address on the list was the Sukhakarta Building in Currey Road, which residents said had already been rejected earlier. "We had clearly refused to take possession of flats in this building. The building is still under construction, and a large tower stands directly in front of it, blocking light and ventilation," Badade said. Residents have demanded joint inspections, verified housing options, and immediate allotment of livable homes.

MMRDA trying its best

Yashwant Ghule, deputy community development officer, MMRDA, said, "We have already offered homes as per eligibility and MHADA's availability, but residents refused to take possession. We are trying our best to find solutions. The list shared includes whatever housing is currently available in the vicinity."

Key promises vs reality

Promised
>> Ready-to-move homes
>> Safe and habitable buildings
>> Within 2.5 km radius

On ground
>> Families sent on house hunt
>> Inaccurate and outdated addresses
>> No joint inspections