Residents of Markandeshwar Nagar, a longstanding slum in Mumbai’s Worli area, are confronting imminent eviction due to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) plans to construct an access road for the Coastal Road project. A public notice issued on February 17, 2025, targets 168 structures, stating they obstruct the proposed 18.30-meter-wide access road intended to connect a recreational open space, promenade, and bus depot associated with the mega-project.
The affected community, many of whom have resided in the area for over 70 years, express shock and dismay at the sudden eviction notice. They assert their eligibility for rehabilitation under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) schemes, rather than outright eviction. However, the BMC has reclassified them as Project Affected Persons (PAPs), leading to uncertainty about their future housing arrangements.
In response to the notice, residents, led by RTI activist Santosh Daundkar, met with municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to propose an alternative alignment for the access road. They suggest relocating the road to a nearby nallah (drainage channel), where a bridge was previously proposed, thereby preserving their homes. This proposal aims to balance infrastructure development with the community’s right to housing.
Resident Devendra Swami highlights the proximity of their homes to the Worli nallah, approximately 20 meters away. He points out that the BMC had previously sanctioned an 18.30-meter road for the Coastal Road promenade and bus depot without informing the residents, leading to the cancellation of their existing SRA project. This lack of communication has fueled feelings of betrayal and frustration among the community members.
The BMC’s internal documents from November 2023, obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request, reveal that MLA Dilip Lande advocated for a wider access road to improve safety and accessibility for the slum residents. The current 6-meter access is deemed insufficient, posing risks during emergencies such as fires or natural disasters. While the intention is to enhance infrastructure, the chosen alignment directly impacts the Markandeshwar Nagar slum, raising questions about the consideration of alternative solutions.
Residents also express concerns about potential ulterior motives behind the eviction. Vinaya Kambikar, another affected resident, alleges that the proposed access road may primarily benefit a nearby builder with an SRA project lacking proper access. This suspicion adds to the community’s apprehension about the true purpose of the road expansion and the fairness of the eviction process.
Municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani acknowledged the meeting with the residents but has not provided further comments on the issue. Assistant commissioner of G South Ward, Mrudula Ande, stated that the slum is designated under the road line for access to the Coastal Road promenade and that notices have been served to residents to produce documents proving their legality. This procedural approach underscores the bureaucratic challenges faced by the residents in asserting their rights.
The situation in Markandeshwar Nagar underscores the complex interplay between urban development and the rights of long-standing communities. As Mumbai advances its infrastructure projects, the challenge remains to balance modernization with the preservation of established neighborhoods and the welfare of their residents. The outcome of this dispute may set a precedent for how similar conflicts are navigated in the future, highlighting the need for inclusive planning processes that consider the voices of all stakeholders.
