No lift and no keys... Elphinstone families struggle as allotted flats remain unready

Residents say the lift in the building has remained non-functional for months, leaving families allotted higher-floor flats struggling. Pics/ASHISH RAJE

Families set to be displaced from the Elphinstone area continue to face mounting challenges in securing alternative housing, even as many say they are willing to compromise and pay extra for better accommodation. Residents allege that the rehabilitation process has been plagued by a lack of transparency, poor coordination, and inadequate infrastructure at the allotted sites.

Voices

Manish Shirodkar, allotted a seventh-floor flat in D-Abero through lottery system
‘When flats were available at Mariano, D-Abero and Aquino buildings in Prabhadevi, chits were drawn for those willing to pay extra for larger homes. I was allotted a flat in D-Abero on the seventh floor, but the lift has not been working for six months now due to maintenance issues. Out of frustration, I accepted the flat, hoping the issue would be resolved by the time we moved in. The flat measures 454 sq ft, for which I will pay Rs 22,03,800 from my own pocket. I had also written to the MMRDA and MHADA expressing willingness to take a flat in Ghatkopar. But, when I requested a site visit, there was no response. It has been over three weeks since my request.'

Flats at Mariano were among those allotted to displaced Elphinstone families, many of whom say infrastructure issues and delays continue to persist

Ashok Wagh, allotted a flat in D-Abero
‘When I visited the building, I saw several flats lying vacant. I do not understand why only four were made available when MHADA knows that 10 families are still waiting. I paid R22,03,900 for my allotted flat a week ago, but I am yet to receive the letter or keys. While a third-floor flat is manageable on a daily basis, moving belongings or handling emergencies will still be difficult. The area is good, but we are too tired to keep fighting.'

Ravindra Jadhav
‘I secured a flat in Aquino Building in the lottery held on March 2. But, two days later, I got a call from an MMRDA official stating that the flat had been listed by mistake and could not be given to me. I asked for this in writing, but got nothing. I submitted another application stating that I was ready to pay for the additional area and requested the allotment letter and keys, but got no response. A week ago, I sent a reminder, which is also unanswered.'

Virendra Kansara, among the two families who opted for relocation to Kandivli due to proximity to relatives
‘Despite agreeing to relocate to Kandivali, we have not received the allotment letter or keys. When we follow up, we are only told it will be done. It has been over 20 days with no communication from either MHADA or MMRDA. What more do they expect from us?'

By the numbers

405 sqft
Standard carpet area sanctioned for alternative housing. Authorities pay the difference if the allotted home is smaller, while beneficiaries pay extra if the flat is larger.

23
Total number of families to be displaced

16
Residential units

07
Commercial units

03
Families allotted homes in Priyadarshini Building

03
Families relocated to faraway locations

11
Families in unwanted locations

06
Families still awaiting homes