Mumbai’s Coastal Road Project Threatens Markandeshwar Nagar Slum: Residents Fight For Their Homes

Residents of the Markandeshwar Nagar slum in Worli are facing imminent eviction as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to demolish their homes to construct an access road for Mumbai's Coastal Road mega-project, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. The public notice, issued on February 17, affects 168 structures in the area, stating that they obstruct the proposed 18.30-metre-wide road.

The slum-dwellers, many of whom have lived there for over 70 years, express shock at the sudden notice. They argue that they qualify for rehabilitation, not eviction, as they have been recognised for assistance by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). However, the BMC has reclassified them as Project Affected Persons (PAPs), leaving them in a state of uncertainty.

On Tuesday, RTI activist Santosh Daundkar led a delegation from the Markandeshwar Nagar Cooperative Housing Society to meet with municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. They demanded that the proposed 18.30-metre access road be realigned to spare their homes. Instead, they suggested moving the road to a nearby 'nallah,' where a bridge was previously planned, to avoid impacting their living spaces.

Resident Devendra Swami highlighted the proximity of their homes to the Worli 'nallah,' stating, "Our homes are barely 20 metres from the 'nallah.' The BMC has cancelled our SRA project because this is BMC land. They didn't even inform us before sanctioning the road here."

An internal BMC document, obtained through an RTI request, reveals that MLA Dilip Lande emphasised the need for a wider access road. The document notes that the current 6-metre access is insufficient and poses safety risks, especially in emergencies like fires.

The slum-dwellers are now rallying for their voices to be heard, hoping to secure their homes and livelihoods as the Coastal Road project progresses. They are determined to fight for their right to rehabilitation and a fair resolution.