In the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Dharavi MLA Varsha Gaikwad accused retired police officers and “encounter specialists” of pressuring Dharavi residents to vacate their homes. Gaikwad, also the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) president, addressed the issue of Dharavi redevelopment during the Winter Session of the House in Nagpur.
Warning of protests, Gaikwad insisted that residents of Asia’s largest slum should be rehabilitated before the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) begins.
“When a builder eyes a locality, various strategies are used to create a terrifying environment for construction. We have often seen this scene in movies… Durdevan’s entry into Dharavi has led to Dharavikars experiencing this kind of oppression,” she remarked.
Gaikwad expressed concerns about the prevailing atmosphere of fear in Dharavi, stating, “Many retired police officers and encounter specialists roam around Dharavi, issuing notices to settlements. There is an oppressive atmosphere in the area. Rehabilitation is necessary before starting the project. The government should direct these groups and inform the people about their rehabilitation. If they are not provided what they deserve before the project commences, we will protest.” Highlighting the government’s payment of Rs 800 crore to Indian Railways for land to rehabilitate Dharavi residents, Gaikwad pointed out that slum dwellers were not deemed eligible for participation in the redevelopment. The Congress MLA urged the government to address the concerns of Dharavi residents and ensure transparent and fair rehabilitation before initiating the redevelopment project.
