The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has successfully concluded a major rehabilitation initiative, allocating new homes or cash compensation to 83 families displaced by the construction of the Sewri-Wadala connector. This significant step comes as the demolition of the century-old Elphinstone bridge nears completion, clearing a critical path for the ambitious double-decker bridge project.
Rehabilitation Process Finalized Amid Bridge Demolition
With the old bridge's dismantling almost finished, MMRDA has wrapped up the relocation process for residents of Haji Noorani and Laxmi Niwas chawls in Prabhadevi. These two structures were the only ones requiring demolition for the new bridge's alignment. On January 22, allotment notices were issued to 78 residents, while five families chose cash compensation instead. The buildings are expected to be vacated by next week, allowing construction to advance without further delays.
Financial Commitment and Housing Details
An MMRDA official revealed that the authority has invested over Rs 90 crore in acquiring MHADA homes for rehabilitation. Residents are entitled to free homes of at least 405 square feet or a minimum 35% additional fungible area over their original home size, whichever is larger. Compensation adjustments are made for any discrepancies in allotted home sizes, with payments based on MHADA's ready reckoner rates.
Most chawl homes measured 180 square feet or less, though some reached up to 400 square feet. Shop owners are also eligible for the minimum 405-square-foot homes. For example, a 133-square-foot shop received a 385-square-foot home valued at approximately Rs 77 lakh, plus Rs 3 lakh in compensation for the area shortfall.
Resident Responses and Compensation Scenarios
Many residents expressed satisfaction with the arrangement. Shashi Sharma from Laxmi Niwas chawl shared, "Six generations of my family have lived in this 155-square-foot home. Yet we are happy, as we are being given a 385-square-foot home right here in Dadar and additional compensation."
However, some from Haji Noorani chawl raised concerns about additional payments and the condition of allotted buildings. Munaf Thakur, a resident association member, was allotted a 479-square-foot home, exceeding his entitlement by 74 square feet, requiring a payment of over Rs 18.54 lakh. Thakur noted, "We are ready to give up our homes and move into rehabilitation homes temporarily, but for permanent homes, we would like to be allotted homes in the cluster redevelopment promised by the CM."
Cash Compensation and Future Developments
Those opting for cash compensation will receive between Rs 36 lakh and Rs 37 lakh, depending on valuation. Residents are free to rent or sell their allotted homes. Meanwhile, cluster redevelopment for 17 other affected buildings in Prabhadevi and Parel has yet to progress, despite builder approaches.
An MMRDA official emphasized that the decision was to provide permanent rehabilitation homes, ensuring stability for displaced families. This comprehensive effort underscores MMRDA's commitment to balancing infrastructure development with community welfare in Mumbai's evolving urban landscape.
