The BMC, which has started the work to replace the 180-year-old Mahim Causeway bridge, has sent notices to 12 houses in Mahim Koliwada, asking them to demolish half of their already tiny homes at their own cost for the project. The move has invited flak from locals who live in 100-150 sq ft homes. Bharti Tailor, a widow who lives with her 9-year-old daughter and sister Sandhya Uprolkar, said, “We received a notice on August 1. Our home is already too small. How will we live if we cut it in half?”

Tailor added, “Both my sister and I work as house helps. Where will we get the money for the same? Even though BMC told us we can build another storey, who will give us the money?”